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Volume 26 - No. 11 â&#x20AC;˘ 4 Sections â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 32 Pages

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by PIA LEE-BRAGO Philstar.com

MANILA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; US military assistance to the Philippines is expected to increase to $66 million this year. However, it is not tied to the implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, US embassy Press AttachĂŠ Kurt Hoyer clarified on Friday, Feb. 5.

DATELINE

â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is an increase from the original expectation of $40 million,â&#x20AC;? he said.

During a visit to Manila in January last year for the Fifth Philippines-US Bilateral Strategic Dialogue, US Assistant Secretary for Defense David Shear said the US was giving the Philippines $40 million for 2015 in military assistance.

Shear said the US provided $40

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

National labor board rules in favor of fired Fil-Am nurse PASADENA, Calif. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) found merit to allegations that two Asian American registered nurses were illegally terminated from Huntington Memorial Hospital in this city.

The nurses, Allysha Almada and Vicki Lin, were joined by city officials and community leaders to applaud the labor boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision at a press conference on Thursday, Feb. 4. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;ŚThe first emotion I felt hearing about the NLRB ruling was a state of shock and then it easily turned into elation,â&#x20AC;? Almada, a 28-year-old Filipino-American nurse told the Asian Journal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an, us versus them, David versus Goliath, kind of situation. Here we are, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going up against a large community hospital that has millions of dollars to essentially spend fighting us when that money should be going to patient care. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen them direct money and funds from patients into fighting organizing efforts. This definitely feels that yes, we were in the right.â&#x20AC;?

Almada and Lin, both of whom were working in the intensive care unit, were terminated

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Affordable Care Act enrollment grows to 12.7M 425,000 enroll in Covered California

THE White House announced that nearly 13 million Americans have signed up for the Affordable Care Act for 2016, before open enrollment deadline on Jan. 31.

The numbers of enrollment for federal insurance marketplaces yielded a modest gain of about 1 million customers for 2016, reported The Washington Post. Sign-ups exceeded the Obama administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s initial estimates of around 10 million total.

During the third open-enrollment season, 9.6 million consumers chose coverage in the 38 states that use the federal marketplace on HealthCare.gov. An additional 3.1 million Americans selected health plans in states that run their own insurance exchanges. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The marketplace is growing and getting stronger and the ACA has become a crucial part of healthcare in America,â&#x20AC;? said Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell, who announced final results of the

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Tels: 818.502.0651 â&#x20AC;˘ 213.250.9797 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax: 818.502.0858 â&#x20AC;˘ 213.481.0854

million in foreign military financing in Fiscal Year 2015, adding that the US would do anything it could to help the Philippines make best use of the assistance.

Hoyer said the US is in the process of working with the Philippines on locations and activities for the EDCA implementation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But no final decisions have been made,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Budget

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Purisima charged over Mamasapano incident

by REINA

TOLENTINO ManilaTimes.net

CRIMINAL charges were filed Friday, Feb. 5 against former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Alan Purisima at the Office of the Ombudsman for participating in the planning of a counter-terrorist police operation last year despite his preventive suspension.

In December 2014, Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales suspended Purisima for six months in connection with an allegedly anomalous courier deal between the police and Werfast Documentary Agency. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Respondent is guilty of usurping official functions.

He could not have legally participated in the planning and execution of Oplan Exodus while under preventive suspension. Due to his preventive suspension, he could not legally exercise the functions of his former office.

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5-way race for president, 6 vie for VP spot fensor Santiago (Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Reform Party), Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte (Partido Demokratiko MANILA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Commis- Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan), Sen. sion on Elections (Comelec) Grace Poe (Independent), former on Friday, Feb. 5 released the Interior Secretary Manuel â&#x20AC;&#x153;Marâ&#x20AC;? certified list of candidates for Roxas II (Liberal Party) and Rep. president and vice president.

Roy SeĂąeres (Partido ng MangThe list showed a five-way gagawa at Magsasaka Workers race for president and a six- and Peasants Party). way race for vice president.

However, SeĂąeres withdrew The final candidates for from the presidential race on Fripresident are Vice President day afternoon upon the advice of Jejomar Binay (United Nation- his doctors. His representatives alist Alliance), Sen. Miriam De- said that he has diabetes, accordby PATRICIA LOURDES Philstar.com

VIRAY

ing to a report from The Star.

Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino Rommel Mendoza recently withdrew from the presidential race and decided to support Binay instead.

Meanwhile, a temporary restraining order was issued against the Comelec ruling to disqualify Poe from the presidential race.

Six candidates also qualified for the vice presidency which are Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano

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Roach doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think Bradley will be Pacquiaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final foe

by BONG LOZADA Inquirer.net

MANNY Pacquiao has been adamant his fight against Timothy Bradley would be his last as he would now concentrate on his political career in the Philippines.

His trainer Freddie Roach, however, thinks the eight-division world champion is far from over.

Roach told Ring Magazine Pacquiaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boxing career still hangs in the balance in the event the boxer @e k_`j DXp )# )'(, g_fkf# kiX`e\i =i\[[`\ IfXZ_# c\]k# c`jk\ej Xj DXeep GXZhl`Xf Xejn\ij hl\jk`fej [li`e^ X gi\jj fails to win a senatorial seat. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lot depends on whether he beZfe]\i\eZ\ ]fccfn`e^ _`j n\ck\in\`^_k k`kc\ Ă&#x201D;^_k X^X`ejk =cfp[ DXpn\Xk_\i Ai% `e CXj M\^Xj% 8G Ă&#x201D;c\ g_fkf

BIR: Pia Wurtzbach must pay taxes

by PRINZ

P. MAGTULIS Philstar.com

MANILA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; For Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Henares, the question of whether or not Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach should pay income taxes is a non-issue because without a law exempting her, the beauty queen has no choice but to pay her taxes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It should not be an issue because it is in the law,â&#x20AC;? Henares said on Friday, Feb. 5. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was provided in the law that any tax exemption will have to be approved by two-thirds of the houses of Congress. Without it, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no exemption.â&#x20AC;?

Hence, Henares said Wurtzbach, just like any other taxpayer, would have until April 15 to pay and settle 9@I :fdd`jj`fe\i B`d ?\eXi\j jX`[ k_Xk D`jj Le`m\ij\ G`X NlikqYXZ_ ZXe her income taxes.

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comes a senator or not,â&#x20AC;? Roach told Michael Rosenthal of Ring Magazine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t win the senate race, what will he do? Does he go back to being a congressman? Being a congressman and a boxer is OK. Being a senator and boxer may be a little too much.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I do know Manny well, though.

He would love to be the senator who defended his title someday. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think this is his last fight for some reason. I just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see it because he has a lot left in him. His work ethic is still great. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be disappointed if

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FROM THE FRONT PAGE

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would be contingent upon the locations and activities.â&#x20AC;?

At a forum in Quezon City on Wednesday, US Ambassador Philip Goldberg said that $66 million was allocated for military funding to the Philippines. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let me point out that we have about $66 million in foreign military funding in process for the

Philippines and we expect that there will be additional sources of funds for both carrying out EDCA to military construction funds and also to increases in what we call the maritime security initiative,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So we will work through all of those figures and also working with our Congress, which of course you have to deal as well

in terms of what the Philippines may bring to the table.â&#x20AC;?

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said Filipino-US EDCA proponents are eyeing Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Lumbia Airfield in Cagayan de Oro City, Bara Air Base in Pampanga, Mactan Air Force Base in Cebu and an area within the Armed Forces Western Command in Puerto Princesa City where US forces can put up facilities.

He made the announcement yesterday during the turnover rites for 114 refurbished Armored Personnel Carriers that the government acquired through the Excess Defense Articles facility of the US to the Philippine Army Mechanized infantry Division.

In a media interview in Cagayan de Oro City earlier, Gazmin said the US will put up facilities at Lumbia airfield.

The three military bases are strategically located across the country: Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija and Basa Air Base in Pampanga watching over the

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West Philippine Sea. The Air Force, Army and Navy have bases in the Cebu.

Ebuen Air Force Base and the Armed Forces Central Command are guarding the whole of the Visayas.

The Philippines and the US have committed to coordinate closely on the implementation

of the EDCA to enhance security and defense cooperation.

Last month, the Philippines acknowledged the significant initiative of the US Senate armed services committee for introducing Maritime Security Initiative in the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act with the allocation of $50 million to help enhance

the maritime security capacities of countries in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said the US Senate armed services committee has demonstrated a keen interest in developments in Asia, particularly on the issue of maritime security.

US President Barack Obama first unveiled the maritime assistance plan when he was in Manila last November for the APEC Economic Leadersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Meeting .

EDCA mandates the Philippines to host a bigger number of US forces, their assets and equipment on a bigger scale and increased frequency in selected military bases, on rotation basis around the country.

It forms part of a bigger US presence in the Asia- Pacific region under what it called a pivot or rotational presence.

Originally, the Philippines offered Hulugan Bay in Palawan, Clark in Pampanga and Fort San Miguel in Zambales as hosts to the rotating US forces and their assets.

(With report from Jaime Laude)

5-way raceâ&#x20AC;Ś

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(Independent), Sen. Francis â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chizâ&#x20AC;? Escudero (Independent), Sen. Gregorio â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gringoâ&#x20AC;? Honasan II (United Nationalist Alliance) Sen. Ferdinand â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bongbongâ&#x20AC;?

Marcos Jr. (Independent), Camarines Sur Rep. Maria Leonor â&#x20AC;&#x153;Leniâ&#x20AC;? Robredo (Liberal Party) and Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV (Independent).

The poll body is set to begin the printing of ballots on February 8. â&#x2013;

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Purisima charged over Mamasapano…

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Therefore, the acts of respondent Purisima in relation to Oplan Exodus constitute usurpation of official functions punishable under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code,” the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) said in its sevenpage complaint.

Oplan Exodus was hatched to capture international terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and his protégé Abdulbasit Usman. Marwan was killed while Usman escaped.

The botched operation led to the massacre of 44 police commandos by members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and private armed groups on January 25, 2015.

“According to the Senate Mamasapano Report, Respondent admitted in bringing former director of SAF Getulio Napeñas to the President in Bahay Pangarap on 9 January 2015 and

confirmed that he advised Napeñas to keep the mission strictly between them and not to inform OIC-PNP [Officer-inCharge] Espina and DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary] Mar Roxas,” the VACC said in the complaint.

It added that in the early morning of January 25, Purisima sent a text message to the President that Marwan was already killed by the Special Action Force and that Purisima at that time had already informed Espina and then-Armed Forces chief Gregorio Catapang as well as Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) Commander Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero about the clashes.

The VACC said that it will submit in a supplemental pleading a copy of the Senate report.

It asked the Ombudsman to indict Purisima for Violation of Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code for usurpation of official functions.”

The Ombudsman initiated a

fact-finding probe in February 2015 to determine who were responsible in the planning and implementation of the police operation.

In July last year, it approved the recommendation of its special panel of field investigators to initiate preliminary investigation against Purisima, Napeñas, and nine other police officers in relation to the Mamasapano incident.

While the complaints did not implead President Benigno Aquino 3rd, the Ombudsman motu propio looked into the allegations on the President’s participation.

“And the special panel found that whatever participation the President may have had in the Mamasapano incident does not amount prima facie [based on a first impression] to a criminal offense, neither was his participation analogous to any of the impeachable offenses,” Assistant Ombudsman Asryman Rafanan said. ■

Roach doesn’t think Bradley will be Pacquiao’s…

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this was his last fight. I’ve been with him a long time, we had a great run. I’ll support whatever he does.”

Pacquiao (57-6-2), lost his last fight against rival Floyd Mayweather and is looking to

bounce-back for a victory for his final bout.

Roach hopes Pacquiao could fight one more, and a rematch against Mayweather is something on his mind.

“I might be the one that hopes something happens, maybe

Floyd (Mayweather Jr.) one more time. He’d be healthy and do much better than the first time.

I was very disappointed with the first fight. I know Manny can do much better than that. I would love to see that fight one more time.” ■

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Affordable Care Act enrollment grows…

G8>< 8( t three-month enrollment window.

“The totals exceed our expectations,” she told reporters.

The numbers were in line with recent predictions that overall growth in insurance coverage through the federal marketplaces is slowing sooner than originally expected, health policy experts said.

Of those who signed up through HealthCare.gov, 4 million people—about 2 in 5—are new customers. However, it is not clear how many of those were in the HHS outreach target group: the approximately 10.5 million Americans who remained uninsured, despite being eligible to buy insurance through the ACA. In California, more than 425,000 residents have signed up for the state’s health insurance exchange, Covered California. At least 100,000 rushed to enroll in the last four days before the enrollment period ended, according to California Healthline.

Covered California estimated that it would attract between 295,000 and 450,000 new enrollees during the third season since taking effect. In addition to those new enrollees, about 1.15 million existing consumers renewed their plans this year, totaling to about 1.57 million, officials said.

“We continue to have a broad and healthy mix of those signing up for coverage…which means better rates and a more stable system, both for all of our enrollees, and for the entire individual

health insurance marketplace in California,” said Peter Lee, executive director of Covered CA, which has served over 2 million Californians.

Lee did not provide additional information on the ethnic and demographic breakdown of new enrollees or the health plans they chose, saying the numbers were “still being analyzed.”

The administration faced an uphill battle to reach those who remained uninsured. Many of those in great need have already obtained coverage in recent years.

Still, the latest numbers provide important signs of how the federal exchanges, a major feature of President Barack Obama’s 2010 health-care law, are functioning now that they are no longer new.

The figures show that most repeat customers were warned

by HHS officials that they should return to HealthCare.gov to shop for the best available health plan if they wanted to avoid sticker shock. On the federal exchange, nearly 7 in 10 repeat customers shopped for different coverage, rather than renew automatically, and about three-fifths of those people switched plans entirely.

Last year, nearly half of consumers were auto-enrolled.

This year, more consumers picked health plans during the first two months of the sign-up period, which ended Jan. 1. In contrast to the past two years, there was less of the last-min-

ute surge of people rushing to sign up during the final days and hours of the enrollment period.

In the last two years, enrollment has slowly slipped over the periods. At the end of the 2015 enrollment season, 11.7 million people were signed up--the number that dropped to 9.3 million by early fall. Officials have not released the year-end tally for 2015.

Overall, fewer Americans are projected to sign up for individual coverage. The Congressional Budget Office lowered its estimate to 13 million enrollees for 2016, down from earlier economic projections of 21 million, said Boston’s WCVB5.

In the federal marketplace, 2.7 million young people ages 18 to 34 signed up for coverage—28 percent of the total, the same proportion as last year. Obama administration officials said the exchanges would work well early on if slightly more than one-third of enrollees were young adults.

The ACA’s figures don’t include further detail about states with their own private marketplaces. The final tally, however, includes everyone who opted for a health plan, whether or not they begin to pay the monthly premiums that put their coverage in effect.

“Open enrollment 3 was very successful,” said Andy Slavitt, acting administer for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

In each of the past two years, enrollment has slipped as the months go by. At the end of the 2015 enrollment season, 11.7 million people were signed up, a number that dropped to 9.3 million by early fall. HHS officials have not released the year-end tally for 2015.

The new figures suggest that HHS officials were realistic in the fall when they forecast that enrollment by the end of this year would be about 10 million — about half of what congressional budget analysts had forecast. Last week, the budget analysts lowered their own expectations, saying that, on average, 13 million people would have marketplace health plans throughout this year.

Most people who fail to sign up by the deadlines face tax penalties for themselves and their families.

“Because consumers can change plans during open enrollment, those who switched to the lowest-cost plan in their area could lower their premiums by an average of 4.5 percent this

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Toyota to pay $21.9 billion for alleged discriminatory lending nouncing the settlement.

Under the settlement, Toyota will also cap the amount dealers TOYOTA Motor Credit Corp. can mark up a loan at 1.25 points will pay $21.9 million to black and 1 point for loans that last lonand Asian Pacific Islander bor- ger than five years, compared to rowers in a settlement over al- the 2.5 percentage points it was legations of discriminatory lend- formerly able to add. ing, the US Department of Justice The Justice Department, in and Consumer Financial Protec- the complaint filed Tuesday in tion Bureau announced Tuesday, Los Angeles federal court, said Feb. 2.

Toyota was aware that permitIn a probe, government in- ting dealerships to increase vestigators found that dealers loans created a “substantial risk marked up interest rates on loans of discrimination.” It further statfor minority buyers from 2011 to ed that prior to Sept. 10, 2014, 2016. They further found that Toyota did not require dealers to black borrowers paid up to $200 record reasons for adding permore throughout the course of centage points to loans, nor did it their loans, while Asians paid up monitor its portfolio for potential to $100 more. discrimination.

The number of borrowers afLike most major auto lenders, fected is unclear, but the set- Toyota allows car dealers to set tlement amount implies that the interest rates on loans based the number was more than on the borrower’s credit. The 100,000. lawsuit, however, alleges that “No consumer should be Toyota gave buyers higher interforced to pay more money for a est rates based on their race or loan because of their race or na- national origin rather than credtional origin,” US Attorney Eileen itworthiness.

Decker of the Central District of Toyota Motor Credit Corp., the California said in a statement an- nation’s fifth-largest auto lender

by AGNES

CONSTANTE AJPress

overall, denies the allegations and claimed it was unaware of the race of credit applicants. But it agreed to the settlement and said in a statement it is committed to fairness.

“TMCC does not tolerate discrimination of any kind, even perceived or unintentional, from its employees or business partners – this principle extends to fair lending practices,” the company stated.

“While TMCC respectfully disagrees with the agencies’ methodologies to determine whether industry lending practices have been discriminatory, the company shares the agencies’ commitment to ensuring that consumers can count on competitive and fair auto financing options. The actions TMCC will take under this agreement are intended to further that commitment,” according to the statement.

Toyota is the most recent auto lender to settle a discrimination case. Last year, Honda Finance Corp. was among large auto lenders who agreed to settlements over discriminatory lending. ■

BIR: Pia Wurtzbach…

year [in California],” Lee said.

Although open enrollment ended on January 31, families G8>< 8( t and that will be credited,” she still may be able to get covered be charged income levies are pointed out. through the Marketplace, Med- Wurtzbach’s prize winnings in The 16th Congress adjourned icaid, or CHIP, as well as in life- the Miss Universe pageant. last Wednesday without any dealtering circumstances. ConsumNonetheless, Henares added velopments in a bill exempting ers can visit www.healthcare.gov Wurtzbach can claim tax credits Wurtzbach from paying taxes for important information and from the BIR if she could prove to be charged on her prize wincoverage options, and enroll- that she paid income taxes in nings as Miss Universe. ment deadlines. The next open the US. House Bill 6367, authored by enrollment period for coverage “She only needs to attach Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Roin 2017 will start in November. the documents from the IRS driguez and Abante Mindanao (Allyson Escobar / AJPress) (US Internal Revenue Service) Rep. Maximo Rodriguez Jr., was passed by the ways and means committee last Jan. 26.

That was the day the beauty queen visited the House of Representatives, which was able to garner a quorum to tackle pending measures.

Sought for comment, Benedict Tugonon, newly installed president of the Tax Management Association of the Philippines, agreed with Henares.

“We have a double taxation treaty with the US so she (Wurtzbach) can claim credit here for anything she paid there,” he said in a phone interview.

Tugonon, a tax lawyer, also said there could be legal problems if the bill on tax exemption is passed into law, especially with regard to equal treatment to people in similar situations as Wurtzbach.

“I have not read the bill yet, but it looks like there could be (violations of equal protection clause of the Constitution),” he clarified. ■

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Study: eating fish could reduce risk for Alzheimer’s

by AGNES

CONSTANTE AJPress

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Porter Ranch gas leak related to negligence by the Southern California Gas Company

by ALLYSON

ESCOBAR

AJPress

SAN Fernando Valley residents have been impacted for nearly three months by a natural gas leak in Aliso Canyon, and a government gas company is being held responsible.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), which regulates Southern California’s air quality, sued Southern California Gas Co. on Jan. 26, accusing the company of negligence in the massive gas well leak that has forced thousands of residents to evacuate, the Los Angeles Times first reported.

AQMD said the utility’s negligence extended to the design, construction, operation and inspection of one of the wells at the Aliso Canyon Natural Gas Storage Facility near Porter Ranch, according to the civil complaint filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

The well, one of 115 at the sprawling storage facility, has been leaking since Oct. 23, sending methane gas into the atmosphere above the Los Angeles Basin. The gas has a noxious additive that has also entered the air, creating a rotten egglike smell.

The Environmental Defense Fund has estimated the leak to be close to 100,000 tons of greenhouse gas methane into the atmosphere, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.

However, the rate of leakage has slowed, dropping to 18,400 kilograms per hour of methane as of mid-January. At its peak in November, the well released 58,000 kilograms of methane gas.

Homeowners in the Porter Ranch neighborhood are now in temporary housing, following the gas leak rupture. Many residents say they have experienced headaches, nausea, and other illnesses as a result of the leak, said NBC Los Angeles.

The AQMD lawsuit alleges the Southern California Gas Co. “violated air quality regulations and state law for each day that

the well continues to leak,” and it blames the utility for a “sluggish response to what has become a regional public health threat.” The suit seeks up to $250,000 in civil penalties for each day that a specific violation has occurred.

Even California Secretary of State Alex Padilla was forced to move his family to a Burbank hotel, where they have been living for the past month and a half.

“Between the kids and my wife feeling some of the side effects we have heard in the news, not taking any chances with three little ones we are temporary dislocated...in the meantime, we are in a hotel in Burbank and we are making do,” Padilla said.

“It’s not just bridges, it’s not just schools…but whether it is water or gas infrastructure it has to be maintained,” he added.

“To know about what we don’t know about methane leaks and the amount of gas that has come out of that Aliso Canyon facility is very concerning to me as a father and a husband.”

Kristine Lloyd, a spokeswoman for Southern California Gas, said the company will not comment on pending litigation.

“It seems there are also grounds for claims of negligence against the gas company since the leaking well’s subsurface safety valve, which was not required by law but could have stopped the leaking fumes, was reportedly removed decades ago and never replaced,” said Greg Keating, a professor at USC’s Gould School of Law. “But determining how much injury residents will suffer beyond months of relocation with regard to home prices and any potential serious health effects will be more challenging.”

The company has tried several times to plug the well by drilling a relief to intercept leaking gas, but the efforts were unsuccessful.

The company said that the relief well had reached 8,400 feet below the surface, about 200 feet away from where it is designated to enter the damaged well.

According to the lawsuit, the air quality agency has received more than 2,000 odor complaints from those who live and work near the Aliso Canyon facility. The leak has also made nearby businesses temporarily uninhabitable.

“Residents are clearly owed damages for that dislocation,” said Keating.

“We bought the home a year and a half ago, never imagining our American dream come true would be interrupted like this,”

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IT turns out that consuming seafood at least once per week can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease, a new study has found.

Although seafood is known to contain mercury, scientists delved into the question of whether or not that nullifies the benefit it has on staving off Alzheimer’s.

“Our hypothesis was that seafood consumption would be associated with less neuropathology, but that if there were higher levels of mercury in the brain, that would work against that. But we didn’t find that at all,” said lead study author Martha Clare Morris, a professor of epidemiology at Rush University Medical Center.

Morris and her colleagues analyzed a database of about 300 people living in the Chicago area who completed regular diet questionnaires and agreed to donate their brains to research after they died.

Researchers found that individuals who consumed seafood at least once per week had higher levels of mercury in their brain compared to those who ate less.

However, those with a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s called ApoE4 and ate seafood at least once a week showed less harmful proteins in their brain.

“The take-home message is

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that the concern about eating seafood because of mercury should be allayed somewhat by this study since we didn’t see any evidence that increased levels of mercury in the brain is causing brain pathologies,” Morris said, TIME reported.

Researchers also found that eating more than one serving of fish did not boost prevention against brain damage associated with dementia.

A limitation of the study is that scientists only observed the benefit of fish in participants with the

ApoE4 gene. Furthermore, it did not reveal if participants who suffered less brain damage showed fewer symptoms of dementia while they were alive.

Morris said that those without ApoE4 may still benefit from eating seafood once per week, but noted that the amount of Alzheimer’s proteins in their brains may be too little for researchers to notice any effect.

The study was published Tuesday, Feb. 2, in the Journal of the American Medical Association. ■

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Obama to propose $10 tax per-barrel of oil

by AGNES

CONSTANTE AJPress

PRESIDENT Barack Obama is set to propose a $10-per-barrel oil tax as a means of funding a “21st century clean transportation system,” the White House announced Thursday, Feb. 4.

The new tax could bring in up to $32 billion in federal revenue each year, which would be used to fund various transportation and infrastructure projects, such as high-speed rail, bridges and highways.

Obama’s move to boost the cost of producing fossil fuels is another step in his effort to combat climate change, and more specifically to slow down production.

Under the proposal, the tax would apply to both domestic and imported oil, as well as jet and train fuel. But unlike the tax on gasoline, which is paid for

directly by consumers, the levy would be shouldered by oil companies.

“This is a per-barrel fee on oil paid for by oil companies,” said White House economic adviser Jeff Zients, according to USA Today. “So they’re the ones paying the fee. We recognize that oil companies would likely be passing along the cost.”

The new tax could add up to 25 cents per gallon of gasoline, which has a federal tax of 18.4 cents per gallon. And according to MarketWatch, the impact of the tax could grow.

The plan will be released when the president presents his final budget request next week, Obama aides told POLITICO. However, it would require approval from the Republican Congress, which is unlikely.

“Once again, the president expects hardworking consumers to pay for his out-of-touch

climate agenda,” House Speaker Paul Ryan said in a statement.

“As this lame-duck president knows, it’s dead on arrival in Congress, because House Republicans are committed to affordable energy and a strong U.S. economy.”

Although the idea has received backlash from the GOP, it has been praised by environmental groups. Former Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell, a Democrat who has often criticized Obama, said it was the boldest transportation plan since Eisenhower’s blueprint of the interstates, POLITICO reported.

“Since then we’ve just been bumping along, doing shortterm fixes, and I give them a lot of credit for laying out this kind of long-term investment. I also give them credit for having the guts to say how they would pay for all of it. That’s very unusual in this area.” Rendell said. ■

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National labor board rules in favor of…

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in August of last year, after spearheading a union organizing drive under the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU) and publicly speaking about deteriorating conditions (i.e. short staffing and inadequate supplies) at the hospital.

Registered nurses at the hospital began organizing with CNA/ NNU in May 2014, but many voted against representation the following year after they were allegedly intimated to do so by hospital officials.

“When this [firing] first happened, I felt very hopeless. I was very scared and I didn’t know what to do,” Lin said.

The union filed an unfair labor practice charge with the NLRB challenging the dismissal last year, which the labor board responded to on Friday, Jan. 29 by siding with the nurses.

Lin added, “what happened to me can happen to anyone and that’s why we need union representation to protect our rights along with our patients. Nurses need job protection. We need

someone to advocate for us, so we can advocate for our patients.”

In a statement emailed to the Asian Journal, Huntington Hospital’s spokesman Derek Clark said the union’s flyers and statements have been filled “with patently false information.”

Responding to allegations that the nurses were fired for unionizing, the hospital asserted that it was because the pair violated employment policies.

“We stand by our decisions and course of actions – and believe they are in accordance with employment laws, our employment practices and in the best interests of maintaining patient safety and providing the highest quality of patient care,” Clark said, adding that the hospital looks “forward to a resolution in our favor from the NLRB.” Each week, the union has also gathered signatures from members of the Pasadena community in support of the nurses’ reinstatement, and has attempted to deliver them to the hospital CEO. “I am grateful and humble that

so many people feel strongly about our cause and want to support us that they are willing to sign a petition or willing to come out to our delegation,” Almada said.

Since her firing, the Fil-Am has continued to advocate for nurses’ rights and quality patient care. In October, she attended the White House Summit on Worker Voice, where she briefly met President Barack Obama. She also spoke at a press conference alongside Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders and met with the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).

Though Almada is currently working at another hospital in Los Angeles, she is fighting to get her job back at Huntington Hospital.

“It is definitely a point to be made in that…me coming back to the hospital could show nurses — not only at Huntington, but throughout the world — that when we stand together, when we organize [and] when we have a strong collective voice, we can accomplish a lot,” she said.

Tessie Costales, a Fil-Am registered nurse at Kaiser LA Medical Center and CNA leader, called on hospital leaders to abide by the NLRB’s announcement.

“I couldn’t believe what they

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did to these two nurses. They built a case just to instill fear in the nurses and they made [Allysha and Vicki] guinea pigs to show nurses not to vote for the union… I think Huntington leaders should respect the ruling of the NLRB. They did not find any merit on the case,” said Costales.

“Delays would only mean a waste

of resources.”

She also called on the local FilAm community to join in on any rallies and sign petitions on behalf of the nurses.

“Although this unfortunate event happened to us, our victory is so important to show that when you have the backing of thousands of nurses — behind

you, standing up for you…[and] your federally protected rights — it is powerful and impactful. Together as a community, together as nurses, we will win this fight.

We will win justice and we will make Huntington a better place and a better asset to the city of Pasadena,” Almada said. (Christina M. Oriel / AJPress)

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Porter Ranch gas leak…

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Padilla told NBC 4.

The lawsuit is one of several filed against the gas company since the leak was first reported.

SoCalGas could either deny all health-related claims, estimate the end results of the leak, or do medical monitoring (in which the gas company sets up a fund and will award damages only if and when harm due to gas exposure

2/2/16

becomes clear), Keating said.

This week, a Know Your Rights’ Legal Town Hall featuring Prof. Keating and other legal experts will be held in Porter Ranch to allow members of the community to express their concerns, as well as get information about the legal process, their rights as citizens, and how they can protect their families. ■

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Consuming fiber during adolescence may reduce women’s risk of breast cancer “The recollection of dietary habits more than a decade earlier must be questioned,” wrote CONSUMING high doses of Blackwell. But she also said that fiber through fruits and vegeta- “people’s dietary habits don’t bles during adolescence may re- really change a lot.... In general, duce a woman’s risk of develop- what you eat as a teenager is reing breast cancer compared to ally formative as to what you eat those who eat less dietary fiber, later in life.”

The recommended daily dose a new study has found.

Published on Monday, Feb. for fiber varies by age, but new 1 in the journal Pediatrics, re- Dietary Guidelines for Amerisearchers based their findings on a long-term study of 44,000 women who were surveyed about their eating habits in high school and on detailed questionnaires they completed about their dietary habits every four years.

“From many other studies we know that breast tissue is particularly influenced by carcinogens and anti-carcinogens during childhood and adolescence,” study author Dr. Walter Willet, the Fredrick John Stare professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard Chan School, said in a release. “We now have evidence that what we feed our children during this period of life is also an important factor in future cancer risk.”

Researchers found that women who ate an average of 28 grams of fiber per day were at a 24 percent lower risk of developing breast cancer before menopause, compared to those who consumed an average of 14 grams of fiber per day.

Overall, those who had highfiber diets during adolescents were at a 16 percent lower risk of breast cancer, while women who consumed more dietary fiber had a 12 to 19 percent reduced risk.

“This is a really important study … [suggesting] that the more fiber you eat during your high school years, the lower your risk is in developing breast cancer,” said Kimberly Blackwell, a breast cancer specialist at the Duke Cancer Center, according to NPR. Study authors say that high-fiber diets may decrease the risk of breast cancer because fiber is able to slow down the absorption of sugars and help stabilize blood sugar levels.

The new research, however, does come with the limitation of it relying on women to recall what they ate over 10 years ago.

by AGNES

CONSTANTE AJPress

cans suggest that women between the ages of 14 and 18 get 25 grams per day, while in that age range are suggested to consume 30 grams per day.

Kristi King, a dietitian at Texas Children’s Hospital, said the best way to meet these doses is to include fiber in each meal, in the form of fruits, seeds, nuts, beans, vegetables or whole grains, NPR reported. ■

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OPINION

FEATURES

Pursuing peace

They’re down but not out, according to members of the government peace panel, after Congress adjourned the other day without passing even a mangled version of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. The peace negotiators lamented the waste of effort and public funds to hammer out the original BBL, but called for calm and patience as they urged the next administration to pick up where they left off.

The deaths of 44 Special Action Force commandos at the hands of combined forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao last year doomed the BBL. While senators and congressmen went through the motions of crafting a constitutionally compliant BBL, they gave strong indications that the law did not stand a chance.

Whoever becomes president can be expected to revive the peace process. MILF leaders have now explored peace with two administrations and likely understand the virtue of patience. There is a need to rebuild trust on both sides in the wake of the SAF 44 deaths. This task may be easier with a new administration and some new players in the peace process.

In the meantime, there are still many things that can be done to promote the welfare of the Bangsamoro. There is a peace treaty in place with former Islamic separatists, and there is a fully organized and functioning Autonomous Region in

Muslim Mindanao. By the reckoning of Malacañang itself, the current ARMM governor and other officials of the autonomous region are doing a good job.

No peace process is stopping the government from dealing decisively with the troublemakers in the region – the BIFF, Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah fugitives like Zulkifli bin Hir, the terrorist known as Marwan who was killed by the SAF commandos. Laws must be enforced, including those on gun possession especially during the election period.

The government also need not wait for a BBL to bring development, stimulate economic activity, create jobs and boost education and health care in the Muslim areas. The international community, which has been supportive of the peace process, also supports development efforts in the ARMM and conflict zones. The BBL may be dead, but not the effort to eradicate poverty and bring lasting peace in Mindanao. (Philstar.com)

Guest Editorial

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WARNING: Huwag paloloko sa mga tax theft YOU may already be getting your W-2, 1099 and other forms in time for the April 15th tax deadline.

Tax season is also the time when many unscrupulous entities will try their best to scare, confuse, and intimidate you, just to steal away your hard earned money. As immigrants, we are usually targets of these criminals, so we need to be empowered as to what to do if this happens to us.

I want to share with you very important information from my interview with “Balitang America” Pinoy Panawagan Legal Counsel Atty. Lou Tancinco on The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast: Atty. Lou Tancinco said “tax identity theft” happens when someone uses your social security number (SS#) to get your tax refund or to get a job.

How do these thefts do this? Tancinco explained that they send letters, emails, texts, or even social media messages claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and ask for your personal or financial information.

Tancinco said this is FRAUD and should be reported to the IRS. According to Atty. Lou Tancinco, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also warns immigrants about the increase in aggressive “phone scammers”, who identify

themselves as the IRS or the US Treasury, and then threaten The Fil-Am you with arrest or deportation.

Tancinco made it clear that Perspective even if you may owe taxes, you have to be aware that: The IRS will never call and demand payment over the GEL SANTOS-RELOS phone; The IRS will never try to threaten or intimidate you or demand payment over the phone; The IRS will never threaten to call the police or immigration agents if you do not pay to them during that phone call.

If you do not have SS# and only use tax Identification Numbers (TIN), you also have to be careful.

Atty. Lou Tancinco expressed her concern especially about the vulnerability of our seniors who stay home most of the time and receive these calls from phone scammers. Many have already been victimized when these thefts coerce the lolos and lolas to submit payments over the phone using their debit or credit cards after being threatened or arrest and deportation.

Information from the IRS:

Know the warning signs Be alert to possible tax-related identity theft if you are contacted by the IRS or your tax professional/provider about: • More than one tax return was filed using your SSN. • You owe additional tax, refund offset or have had collection actions taken against you for a year you did not file a tax return.

• IRS records indicate you received wages or other income from an employer for whom you did not work.

Steps to take if you become a victim If you are a victim of identity theft, the Federal Trade Commission recommends these steps: • File a complaint with the FTC at identitytheft. gov.

• Contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place a ‘fraud alert’ on your credit records: • Equifax, www.Equifax.com, 1-800-766-0008 • Experian, www.Experian.com, 1-888-3973742 • TransUnion, www.TransUnion.com, 1-800680-7289 • Contact your financial institutions, and close

any financial or credit accounts opened without your permission or tampered with by identity thieves.

If your SSN is compromised and you know or suspect you are a victim of tax-related identity theft, the IRS recommends these additional steps: • Respond immediately to any IRS notice; call the number provided or, if instructed, go to IDVerify.irs.gov.

• Complete IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, if your e-filed return rejects because of a duplicate filing under your SSN or you are instructed to do so. Use a fillable form at IRS.gov, print, then attach the form to your return and mail according to instructions.

• Continue to pay your taxes and file your tax return, even if you must do so by paper.

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Away from guns to a national culture of finding grace and peace within “IN watching the coverage of the mur- Rhizomes ders that have taken place in Connecticut, the same arguments prevail from the last shootings we have witnessed: ‘the guy PROSY ABARQUEZwho did this was DELACRUZ, J.D. mentally deranged, mentally ill, evil’; this time the news reported the shooter had a mother who was ‘ridged’. All give reasons for what happened; but, the end result makes the mentally disabled community take the brunt of an act by someone they never met, while at the same time, blaming a woman for her son’s violence. The answers/reasons for such acts are recycled and regurgitated…’guns are to blame -- we need new legislation to ban weapons’ while gun proponents will say ‘guns don’t kill people, people do’. The debate will begin again and nothing will really happen, as there is no way to empirically ‘prove’ what causes someone to murder in a rampage. I have had some intense conversations of late with loved ones and based on these, what I intuitively know, have experienced, and understand, I come to the conclusion that we need to shift, to create a new language and to come up with a new paradigm about rampage murder because noting explains what we are witnessing anymore. The way we currently think of the murders in Connecticut - ‘a gunman with mental illness does this horrible thing because he is evil’ is linear thinking. What if we thought of mental illness as being part of a list of characteristics that might contribute towards someone moving towards being violent, and realizing that mental illness is not necessarily the main cause of his violence?“ Jamie Marie Watson, 2012 What if Jamie Watson’s thoughts on

mental illness were part of a process of disassembling oneself? A fractured sense of self, enabled by the current American culture? A deconstruction away from one’s true gifts, precious talents and a God-given sublime self? A dying process to one’s humanity in America?

BBC News reports that America has 300 million guns in private hands, apart from the police and the military, enough to arm every man, woman and child in America. About 10 out of 100,000 people in America die from gun-inflicted wounds.

As of September 2015, 33,636 firearm deaths were reported, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For suicides, it was a higher number at 41,149 making it 13 out of 100,000 in the population; 21,175 of those were using firearms.

The Guardian reported 1,052 shootings in 1,066 days and called it, America’s gun crisis, from December 2012 to Dec. 2, 2015.

On Dec. 2, 2015, 14 perished at a Christmas party in San Bernardino, California and 17 injured at the hands of a Muslim married couple. It was just days before the third anniversary of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, when 20 children and six adults were killed by a white gunman in Dec. 2012.

President Barack Obama called it an unparalleled pattern that exists nowhere else in the world. That statement is bolstered by the FBI, which has reported an increasing pattern of mass shootings since 2000.

Senator and presidential candidate Bernie Sanders characterized it as one

mass shooting per day in America -the San Bernardino shooting the 355th -- while presidential GOP candidate Ben Carson tweeted his thoughts and prayers to the victims.

Mother Jones has deconstructed the mass murders of 30 years, describing a mass murder, involving four or more. The author, Mark Follman, describes that seven occurred in 2012 alone, during the height of the election campaign between President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. These massacres occurred in usually safe places: schools, universities, shopping malls and theaters, totaling to 62 in the last 30 years in the US. Yet, the shooters viewed these safe places, as their center stage theaters to perform on and vent out their accumulated tsunami of negative emotions.

While we are not psychotherapists, nor policy makers, we are activists involved in four decades of organizing folks towards positive outcomes of whole spiritual selves and community empowerment, we believe we can advance our own view of multiple factors towards a ‘death process of an inner humanity in America.’

Dying to oneself In Asian American, African-American, Latino, Hawaiian and Native American cultures, this concept is celebrated as a selfless attitude of dying to one’s needs and to one’s self-centeredness, enabling one to care for the larger part of the community and family.

But taken to the extremes, one’s inability to focus on one’s inner needs is a recipe for building inner resentment, anger and bitterness. When that occurs, coupled with a death in the family, it translates to deep-seated rage that makes one mistakenly believe that one is alone to navigate the world and easily sets one up to explode, while externally

manifesting their inner destruction and rage using drugs, alcohol, domestic violence toward their families, and a violence to the spirit to others, through emotional abuse, shunning, exclusion, and verbal abuse.

This dying to oneself is a disconnection from one’s humanity, no different from what we saw in Connecticut, easily enhanced by a process of homeschooling, making an autistic child unavailable for social interaction.

I have a cousin with an autistic daughter, Evan. Evan is so smart that she looks at a piano and easily makes music. She likes watching animated movies. By channeling Evan’s autistic mind, which gets super-charged by any environment, her parents found a school that could channel her to be productive with other children. When she comes home from school, she immediately puts on her headphones and dances. She is normalized by her parents (whose jobs allow them to be at home to supervise her after school) through inclusion, which exposed her to positive and productive activities like creating music, not using guns.

Access to weapons Guns are easier to buy than cars.

Cars are leased and bought with proof of driving literacy (driver’s education, passing a practical exam and proof of insurance), while guns require only a license identifying who will own the weapon, not training, literacy nor insurance.

Yet, guns are weapons that irrevocably destroy beasts, animals and persons, and now innocent first graders, under seven years old, just barely starting with their lives.

In America, 300 million guns are in the hands of roughly 1 in 4 Americans; some own multiple guns and even have cabinets full of rifles and various guns,

used for target practice and hunting desert cottontails and quails.

If the US now requires those who have guns to undergo weapons training to understand the irrevocable harm that their actions may cause, including a steep price for each bullet to raise revenues for safe gun usage (say $100 per bullet) and a liability insurance in the millions, would that lead gun owners to safely use their rifles and handguns?

Would a better framework perhaps be a ban on civilian access to handguns and assault weapons, similar to England and Australia? When the ban was passed on handguns and ammunition, mass murders stopped in Great Britain and Australia. In Great Britain, 30 folks died last year, while in America, 200 folks die each week -- equivalent to a Boeing plane crash every week. One television channel reported that 10,000 Americans die each year.

Assuming we succeed in banning handguns and rifles, what else can we remove in the death factory of inhumanity in America?

Self-control, self-restraint, and selfregulation In Hawaii, social harmony is a valued practice. It is called the ‘Aloha Spirit.’ But aloha is more than social harmony, it is fueled by a deeper care and concern for another. In the Philippines and amongst Filipinos all over the world, it is called “Bayanihan,” where a Filipino will go out of his or her way to connect to another in need. You see how they save others during typhoons to their own self-detriment. In South Africa, it is called, “ubuntu”, I am because you are.

Amongst the Catholics, it is celebrating the God in you, the divine, sublime self, as Fr. Camilo Pacanza made me aware of after Simbang Gabi.

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DATELINE PHILIPPINES

80

US open to joint patrols with PH in S. China Sea

by NIÑA

P. CALLEJA Inquirer.net

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Escudero denies betrayal rumors: ‘Poe is safe with me’

by YUJI

VINCENT GONZALES Inquirer.net

VICE presidential candidate Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Friday. Feb. 5 said his tandem with Sen. Grace Poe was the “closest” among all other pairs vying for the two highest political posts in the upcoming May polls.

Reacting to allegations that he would drop Poe along the way amid the citizenship and residency issues hounding the latter’s presidential bid, Escudero turned the tables on other presidential and vice presidential tandems, saying they only got to know each other upon pairing up for the elections, contrary to his “deep relationship” with his running mate.

“Sa lahat ng tandem, kami na siguro ang may pinakamahaba at pinakamalalim na pinagsamahan,” Escudero said over radio station DZMM. (Among all the tandems, I think we have the longest and deepest relationship.)

“Si Secretary Mar (Roxas) at Congresswoman Leni (Robredo) kamakailan lang yata naging close, si Mayor (Rodrigo) Duterte at Senator Alan (Cayetano) ganun din. Si Vice President (Jejomar) Binay at Senator (Gringo) Honasan, dati pa ngang magkaaway,” he added.

(Secretary Mar and Congress-

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woman Leni got close only recently. The same can be said about Mayor Duterte and Senator Alan. Vice President Binay and Senator Honasan used to be enemies.)

Escudero dismissed the accusations of lacking loyalty and tendency of betrayal as mere “black propaganda.”

“Ligtas siya sa akin at ligtas ako sa kanya (She is safe with me, and I with her),” Escudero said.

Questions regarding Escudero’s loyalty surfaced in 2010, when he was credited for the victory of Vice President Jejomar Binay over administration bet

Mar Roxas for the vice presidency after endorsing the “NoyBi” tandem.

Escudero severed ties with Binay in the 2013 midterm elections after the opposition leader’s United Nationalist Alliance dropped him and Poe from its Senate slate.

Speculations that he might have secretly forged alliance with Binay arose recently following the circulation of “Binay-Chiz” car stickers. But the senator dismissed the accusations as a product of gossips and hearsays.

“Galing sa mga tsismoso (Rumor-mongers concocted this),” he said. ■

Away from guns to a national culture…

G8>< 8/ t

I watched this assemblage of priests one morning discussing their week’s schedule of masses, readily giving up one’s ease and convenience, in favor of easing the responsibilities of another. It is looking after the other and his needs for selfcare, “go ahead and go sleep, I see you yawning.”

The other responds, “No, I still have to make the announcements at 11 am.” “It is okay, I will do it for you.”

Watch how they make room for one another, easing the workload of their duties, sharing themselves to connect to the humanity of one another.

That is a solid relationship of give and take -“Go, I will take care of the family for you, while you make a living for us.”

It seems to reveal what Adam Lanza’s (the Sandy Hook shooter) mother did for him: dedicating her life to homeschooling and taking care of him, until she died from his hands, after being unable to deflect him from his fractured sense of self as he disconnected 27 others from their human lives on earth.

America has to build a new culture of progressive humanizing of one’s inner-self -- one that harvests the best humanizing practices of multiculturally-empowered communities, who have been practicing them for many generations.

America must now take the aloha spirit amongst Hawaiians and Native Americans in Hawaii, the Bayanihan amongst Filipinos and the ubuntu amongst Africans, and nationalize these humane practices as America’s cultural, psychological and social practices, anchored in empathy and humanity. While we’re at it, emulate the Aloha practices, shown to us by our First Family, steeped in Grace towards their own family and families all over America.

Grace must now be Americanized and Grace must now be an American brand to be exported to the rest of the world, not wars!

Happy Chinese New Year and I look forward to a new national brand of American Grace! ! ! !

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THE United States is open to the possibility of joint naval operations with the Philippines in the South China Sea, now that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) between the two countries is in place.

“I don’t think there is a limitation on what the United States can do,” US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg said at the Pandesal Forum, a weekly news forum in Quezon City, on Wednesday.

Goldberg was asked if there would be some limitations should the Philippines request for a joint naval patrol in the West Philippine Sea, the name the Philippines calls its territorial waters.

Goldberg, however, refused to say whether there would be future joint maritime patrols.

“We do discuss that principle (joint patrols) with the Philip-

pines. But I am not discarding that possibility,” Goldberg said, adding that the United States will continue to conduct freedom of navigation patrols in the disputed sea.

“The United States will follow the international law and will continue to enjoy our right to sail into international waters and fly over international air space,” he said.

The Philippines’ interest for joint maritime patrols with the United States was tackled during the 2+2 ministerial meeting among the defense and foreign officials of the two countries.

China earlier criticized the US’ latest freedom of navigation patrol in which its guided missile destroyer, the USS Curtis Wilbur, sailed within the 12 nautical miles of Triton island, one of those occupied by China in the Paracel islands.

The island is being claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam.

The US ship docked in Manila Bay on Jan. 24 as part of its routine visit for maintenance and crew rest, according to the US Embassy in Manila.

While the Edca was largely viewed as a deterrent to China’s activities in the South China Sea, Goldberg noted that the “Edca itself was not designed to address the issue of the South China Sea.” “The effort is to help the Philippines develop its modernization program in the Armed Forces,” he said.

Goldberg said the Edca sought to help the Philippines establish its minimum credible defense and help address “21st-century challenges,” which include maritime security and maritime domain awareness.

Both sides, he said, are now fleshing out details on how to implement the agreement, which was recently declared constitutional by the Supreme Court. ■

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Marcos seeks help for drought-hit farmers

by JEFFERSON

ANTIPORDA ManilaTimes.net

AS dozens of provinces start reeling from the impact of El Niño, Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appealed to the Department of Agriculture (DA) to help farmers hit hard by drought and not let politics get in the way of assisting them.

Marcos on Friday, Feb. 5 said the DA must put to good use the P2.1 billon earmarked to assist farmers affected by the dry spell and spur agricultural production in the first quarter of 2016.

“With the onset of the political season, the DA must take special care to ensure that mitigation efforts for El Niño must be di-

rected to those who really need it most, not just because some politicians requested to divert the assistance programs in their areas,” the senator added.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said around 40 percent of the country or 32 provinces will feel the brunt of El Niño before the country’s weather condition returns to normal by mid-2016.

“A lot of farmers and their families in the provinces affected by El Niño are going to suffer if the DA won’t be able to deliver on its promise,” Marcos said.

He noted that 70 percent of the country’s poor belong to the agricultural sector.

Palay (unhusked rice) and corn

farms suffered the most from the long dry spell.

The DA said it has prepared measures to lessen the impact of El Niño, including embarking on small-scale irrigation projects and building of rainwater harvesting and drainage facilities for rain-fed agricultural lands.

The department also distributed drought-resistant palay and corn seed and assisted farmers in adjusting their cropping season.

Marcos, however, said the government should ensure that these measures are carried out.

“The plan looks good but the real test is in the implementation. Let’s help those who really need it and give them what they really need most,” he added. ■

Comelec ruling on Duterte DQ assailed

by WILLIAM

B. DEPASUPIL ManilaTimes.net

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) First Division committed “jurisdictional errors” when it junked all four petitions seeking to disqualify Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, according to the counsel of one of the petitioners.

“While we respect the opinion of the Honorable First Division of the Comelec, we believe that it committed jurisdictional errors in dismissing the consolidated cases,” Manuelito Luna, counsel for broadcaster RizalitoDavid, told The Manila Times, adding that “the issues [against Duterte] are purely legal.”

According to Luna, the sheer length of the resolution to justify the ruling showed that there were errors.

Among them, he noted, was the First Division’s findings that

Martin Diño was validly substituted and that Duterte validly filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for president, and the COC was filed in time.

Luna claimed that the filing of COC was invalid because the local party that nominated Duterte for mayor, the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, never withdrew its nomination.

“The nomination of Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod was never withdrew the official nomination of Mayor Duterte for mayor of Davao City, therefore the substitution of Duterte by his daughter Sarah is invalid and legally infirm and therefore (Duterte) could not possibly substitute for Diño,” Luna explained.

He explained that this particular issue was addressed by the Supreme Court in the Ramirez vs Comelec case, wherein the High Court ruled that when a political party nominates a candidate, the

political party should first withdraw the nomination before said candidate can run for another office.

“Overall, Diño and Dutertde made a mockery of the election through their acts,” the lawyer told The Times.

Luna said they will ask the Comelec en banc to reverse the decision of the Fist Division. He added that they will go to the Supreme Court if necessary.

All three members of the First Division chaired by Senior Commissioner Robert Christian Lim voted to dismiss the petitions for lack of merit.

In its resolution, the First Division ruled that Diño filed a valid COC for president.

It added that Duterte has not committed any material representation in his COC for president and his substitution for Diño as candidate for president is valid. ■

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Junjun Binay’s camp claims victory in libel case vs Trillanes

by MIKE

FRIALDE Philstar.com

MANILA — The camp of dismissed Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay on Friday, Feb. 5, claimed initial victory on the libel case it had lodged against Senator Antonio Trillanes IV after a Makati court denied the solon’s motions to suspend the hearings on the case and to suspend the service of the arrest warrant on him.

Binay’s lawyer Claro Certeza said that after Makati Regional Court Branch 142 Judge Dina Pestaño Teves has denied Trillanes’ motions following a hearing Friday morning, the solon is left with no other choice than to surrender to the court for the rights of foundlings like sought for comment on the Chief and then post his P10,000 bail me. It rings loud and clear that Justice’s warning that disquali- immediately after returning to the right of foundlings to a na- fying her from the presidential the country. Trillanes is in the tionality will just be an empty race for being a foundling could United States on official travel. rhetoric unless the government set a dangerous precedent and “Since the motions were deaccords it due respect and take would have dire consequences if nied, it is considered a victory in measures to implement this upheld by the Supreme Court. our part. Ang hinihintay na lang right,” Poe said in a text mes“If you’re saying that found- namin ay ang husgado na magsage to reporters. lings are not natural-born citi- set ng hearings and he (Trillanes) “I hope that the public and zens, have you thought about will be given a chance to defend those who will make a final judg- the impact on the rights of all himself,” said Certeza. ment on my case will see things foundlings?” Sereno asked Com“Technically, kailangan niyang in this light,” she added. mission on Elections (Comelec) mag-surrender. At pag-surrenPoe issued the statement when u G8>< 8(( der niya, post siya ng bail bond tsaka lang i-rerecall yung warrant of arrest,” added Certeza in a phone interview.

The senator through his lawyer, filed the two motions before the Makati RTC Branch 142 on Monday afternoon, shortly after the court ordered the issuance of the arrest warrant against the solon.

Trillanes’ lawyer filed the motions and asked that the service of the warrant of arrest as well as the proceedings on the libel case be suspended as Trillanes will be filing a motion for reconsideration before the Department of Justice.

The Makati court issued the warrant of arrest against Trillanes after the Justice Department found probable cause to indict Trillanes for libel.

Last April 13, then Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay filed a complaint for libel before the Office of the Makati City Prosecutor against Trillanes for having claimed that Binay bribed justices of the Court of Appeals 6th Division into issuing the writ of preliminary injunction against

Poe hopes Chief Justice view on foundlings would inspire SC justices PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Senator Grace Poe expressed hope on Wednesday that Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno’s strong position on the rights of foundlings like her would ring “loud and clear” not only to the public, but also to other Supreme Court justices, who will make a final decision whether or not she is qualified to run for president in May. “We take refuge in the statement of Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno fighting hard

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the Ombudsman’s order to have him suspended over his alleged involvement in the alleged irregular construction of the Makati City Hall Building 2.

Binay said Trillanes, in an interview aired last April 7 over several radio and television programs, and in an article published in the April 8 issue of the Inquirer, publicly claimed that members of the 6th Division of the Court of Appeals were given bribes in millions of pesos in exchange for the favorable action on the petitions for a temporary restraining order and the writ of preliminary injunction.

Binay added Trillanes was also quoted as saying that he (Binay) and his family were “part of a syndicate” that has committed various crimes and irregularities.

In his complaint-affidavit, Binay said it was evident from the media interview of Trillanes and the subsequent article published in the Inquirer, titled “Trillanes: I will expose Binay paid for TRO”, that he had made the statements “despite the utter lack of evidence.”

Binay pointed out that Trillanes himself had admitted during the interview that he had no valid proof or factual basis for his pronouncements.

In his complaint, Binay said the acts of Trillanes in connection with the defamatory statements made against him constitute a violation of Article 355 in relation to Article 353 of the Revised Penal Code.

Binay further cited a ruling in his complaint-affidavit that says, “No bona fide efforts having been made to ascertain the

truth of such statements before they were written and published in reckless disregard of the truth, the presumption of malice applies as these article(s) are not privileged communication.”

[In re: Jurado, 243 SCRA 239 (1995)] He said the libelous statements made by Trillanes in public were “attended with malice in fact as they were prompted by ill will and spite inasmuch as they have no factual basis whatsoever and were not made in response to duty, but only with obvious intention to injure my reputation as well as those of my family.”

Meanwhile, Certeza said that while Trillanes could be arrested by police officers upon arrival at the airport from the United States, the police would most likely extend him courtesy as a senator and would most likely escort him without handcuffs to the Makati court to surrender and post bail.

“Pwede siyang arestuhin ng airpot police. Kaya lang, siyempre alam mo naman ang pulis, komo senador yan, baka sasbihan lang yan na halika at samahan na kita sa husgado para magpiyansa ka na. With due respect naman to him because he is a senator,” Certeza said.

Certeza also clarified that Trillanes does not enjoy immunity from the libel case lodged by Binay against him.

“Immunity can only apply while Congress is in session for offenses where the penalty is less than six years. E matatapos na ang session e. This week or next week tapos na yun. So wala ng session. So pwede na siyang arestuhin,” he said. ■

Napoles asks Sandiganbayan to reconsider bail plea

by PATRICIA LOURDES

VIRAY

The petition also argued that the court erred in holding that the non-government organizations allegedly used as conduit in MANILA—Alleged pork barthe pork barrel scam were owned rel scam mastermind Janet Lim and controlled by Napoles.

Napoles on Wednesday, Feb. 3 “The prosecution clearly filed a motion for reconsiderafailed to prove a strong evidence tion before the Sandiganbayan against accused Napoles to warto reverse its decision to junk rant the denial of her petition for her bail petition. bail,” the petition said.

The camp of Napoles, who is Napoles spent Christmas and facing plunder charges, asked New Year in jail last year after the anti-graft court to take a secthe Sandiganbayan denied her ond look at the facts governing petition for bail. the case.

The Sandiganbayan has start“The Honorable Court serioused the trial proper for the plunly erred in resolving that there is der charges filed by the Office of a strong evidence showing that the Ombudsman against Napoles accused Napoles together with and Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile’s forher alleged co-accused amassed, AXe\k C`d EXgfc\j accumulated, and/or acquire ill- least (P50 million),” the Napoles mer chief of staff Jessica “Gigi” Reyes. ■ gotten wealth amounting to at camp said in the petition.

Philstar.com

Enrile announces he will campaign for Binay, UNA

by LEILA

B. SALAVERRIA Inquirer.net

SENATE Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile on Thursday, Feb 4, said he would campaign for the candidates of his party, the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), led by Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Enrile said he would also help Binay’s running mate, Sen. Gregorio Honasan II, although he could not promise him support

from Cagayan because of the tendency of the people of the province to choose a fellow Ilocano.

Enrile also endorsed the candidacy of Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and showed up at a Marcos rally where he proclaimed his run for the vice presidency.

“I am with UNA and I will campaign for the candidates of UNA,” Enrile said in a Senate forum.

“I am for Binay. I will bet on Binay. Why would I bet on someone who will lose?” he said later.

He also said he told Honasan that he would try his best to help him in his region, but could not guarantee the support of residents there.

“But I have to tell you, realistically, Ilocanos have that culture that if an Ilocano is running for higher office, they gravitate to him regardless,” he said.

Enrile also belittled corruption allegations against Binay, which were investigated by a Senate blue ribbon subcommittee. ■

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Filipino, American troops end joint drills in Cavite

tasks,” he said.

US Navy Joint Mission Commander Lt. Lowell Bruhn said MANILA—Filipino and Ameri- Flash Piston allowed his fellow can Navy troops on Monday, Feb. participants to build camarade1 concluded joint drills intended rie with their Philippine counterto improve their capabilities to parts. deal with maritime threats and “By working together, we exemergencies. change our tactics, techniques The Flash Piston 16-1 exercis- and procedures,” Bruhn said. es kicked off on January 18 and Flash Piston is an annual exinvolved more than 60 sailors ercise that started in 2008. The from the Philippine Navy and 20 exercise aims to increase and personnel from the US Navy Na- develop capability on gas and val Special Warfare Unit-1. oil platform operations, enhance The closing ceremony was held riverine warfare capability and at the Navy Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) headquarters at the Naval Base Heracleo Alano in Sangley Point, Cavite.

G8>< 8(' t NAVSOG chief Capt. Alfonspin member Arturo Lim during the Tumanda Jr. said the training SC’s third oral arguments on had provided an opportunity for the disqualification cases filed the Philippines and the United against the lady senator.

States navies to strengthen their “The court now has to categorinter-operability. ically answer the question about “Enhancing capability through her (Poe’s) status, because the this kind of exercise enables the pronouncements we will make Philippine Navy to assert more will affect so many others,” the efficiency and effectiveness in Chief Justice added. the conduct of our mandated Poe’s being a foundling was

by ALEXIS

ROMERO Philstar.com

inter-operability, enhance and develop sea, air and land tactics, techniques and procedures; and improve individual skills and professionalism among troops.

During the first week of the exercise, participants exchanged information on medical evacuation procedures, combat military marksmanship, and human rights training.

Field training exercises that focused on maritime interdiction operation activities were conducted during the second week of the drill. ■

Poe hopes Chief Justice…

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Cardinal Tagle, Amb. Goldberg: Corruption still an election issue

by AUREA

CALICA Philstar.com

MANILA — Malacañang on Thursday, Feb. 4 welcomed statements from US Ambassador Philip Goldberg and Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle that corruption is still an election issue and that the people must elect only leaders with integrity.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Goldberg was in a position to voice such observation as he has seen the benefits of choosing a leader like President Aquino “who leads by example.”

“He has seen that good governance translates to good economics,” Lacierda said.

On Tagle’s statement, the presidential spokesman said the prelate “regards corruption as a moral issue and urges voters to use their stand against corruption as a yardstick for voting.”

“We fully agree with the constructs of the two gentlemen as this government has subscribed to anti-corruption since the start. Hence, like the two, we urge our voters to choose

“very important” improvements in the country was the fight against corruption.

“Clearly I agree with my friend Cardinal Tagle who has said that corruption is a very important issue. We’ve seen progress over the last few years on that, too,” Goldberg said.

In his message during the 51st International Eucharistic Congress in Cebu last week, Tagle criticized corrupt politicians and said they were part of the “throwaway culture” condemned

by Pope Francis.

For his part, Presidential Communications Operations Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the government was vigorously pursuing the fight against corruption to strengthen good governance as well as its straight path advocacy.

Last week, Coloma said the administration’s battlecry that there DXe`cX 8iZ_Y`j_fg Cl`j 8ekfe`f :Xi[`eXc KX^c\ are no poor where there are no the next leaders on the basis corrupt is being taken seriously of proven integrity, among oth- despite challenges. ers,” Lacierda added.

He said reforms have taken Goldberg cited in a press con- root, contrary to an international ference the importance of con- survey showing perception on tinuing the reforms started by the Philippines has worsened Aquino, noting that one of the due to persistent corruption. ■

one of the two subjects of the cases against her. The other issue was her alleged failure to meet the 10-year residency requirement for candidates running for president.

Found in a church Iloilo when she was a baby, the lady senator was later adopted by the late action king, Fernando Poe Jr., and veteran actress Susan Roces.

(Maila Ager/Inquirer.net)

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Vanessa Hudgens mourns father’s death before ‘Grease: Live’ performance

by ALLYSON

ESCOBAR

AJPress

FIL-AM actress Vanessa Hudgens, 27, announced the death of her father on Sunday, Jan. 31, just hours before she took the stage for her role in Fox’s “Grease: Live.”

“I am so sad to say that last night my daddy, Greg passed away from stage 4 cancer,” Hudgens tweeted. “Thank you to everyone who kept him in your prayers.”

She continued, “Tonight, I do the show in his honor.”

Hudgens took on the iconic role of Rizzo in the network’s production, which aired live on Sunday night. The three-hour show attracted 12.2 million viewers, and a 4.3 same-day rating in the 1849 demographic--topping NBC’s live musical p r o duc-

tions of “The Wiz” and “Peter Pan.” The show also starred Broadway and TV veterans Aaron Tveit, Julianne Hough, Keke Palmer, Carly Rae Jepsen, Carlos Penavega, Kether Donohue, and Jordan Fisher.

In 2015, The Daily Mail reported that Hudgens first revealed her father’s diagnosis while accepting an award during the Industry Dance Awards in Los Angeles.

“Last year, my boyfriend, Austin, lost his mom, Lori, to cancer, and my dad has just been recently diagnosed with stage four cancer,” she said. “Let me tell you, I hate cancer. I hate cancer with every cell of my being.”

Fans praised her elegant live performance, which featured Hudgens singing an emotional rendition of “There are Worse Things I Could Do.” Some of her celebrity friends also offered their support and condolences via social media.

“Love2 Vanessa. I know what losing a parent 2 cancer is,” said Jussie Smollett. “The fact that you’re performing tonight is a testament to your strength. Shine on lovely 1.”

“Just thinking of my girl and praying for her strength today,” said “High School Musical” costar Ashley Tisdale.

“I wouldn’t expect anything less Vanessa is killing it! So proud of my girl #GreaseLive.”

“WOW, [Vanessa] singing ‘Worst Things’ had me in tears. Just brilliant,” he longtime boyfriend, actor Austin Butler, also tweeted.

“Constant chills.”

JOURNAL

Dawn Zulueta channels Ariana Grande Jericho frowns on showbiz

career for 15-year-old son

ACTRESS Dawn Zulueta has shared an old photo of her sporting the look of American singer Ariana Grande.

“Tried out the #ArianaGrande look at a photo shoot last year. I’m not really digging it but thought I’d share it with you folks anyway,” Zulueta said in an Instagram post on Wednesday.

“Boredom strikes here on the set of #YoureMyHome Cant wait to get over #humpday and call it a weekend! Makeup by @lalaflores16 Hair by @jeffreyaromin,” she added.

Zulueta was sporting Grande’s trademark ponytail.

Her post was received positively by her fans and followers, most of which noted the actress’ “timeless beauty.”

“May forever, sa kagandahan mo,” said Instagram user @glydensomera.

“You look like an 18-year-old!” G_fkf lgcfX[\[ Yp ;Xne Qlcl\kX fe _\i @ejkX^iXd XZZflek said @iamhl101.

Zulueta is 46 years old, while and 300 comments.

Grande is 22.

Grande is behind hit pop songs As of this writing, Zulueta’s post “Problem,” “Break Free,” and has garnered more than 9,500 likes “Love Me Harder.” (Inquirer.net)

by MARINEL

R. CRUZ

Inquirer.net

JERICHO Rosales’ 15-year-old son, Santino, is definitely show biz material—with his good looks (he used to be a commercial model in his younger years) and love for sports (he’s now a soccer player).

But Jericho isn’t one to encourage a career in show business for his son, who is featured with him in the February issue of Star Studio magazine. “If I were to have my way… I don’t want him to join show biz, but I’ll be here to support him in case he decides to,” he told reporters at a recent thanksgiving dinner hosted for him by the magazine.

“He is not built for it,” explained Jericho. “He loves sports. He plays (soccer) for two teams now, but never showed any interest in acting.”

On the home front, Jericho said he was still unsure whether he and wife Kim Jones would finally have

a baby this year.

“I remember telling everyone shortly after our wedding that we’d work on having a baby in two years, but we’ll be celebrating our second anniversary (in May) and I don’t think that (having a baby) will happen soon,” he said. “Kim travels a lot. It’s part of her job. She is currently in the United States.

We’re not rushing. We’re both still young.”

The 36-year-old actor said he would be working on a TV series that “involves kids… inspired by movies produced by DreamWorks.”

“There will be animation and fantasy,” he shared with reporters.

“The second will involve a lot of water, some action scenes, a love story and a classic song.”

He added that he hoped to do “another mainstream film, and, if there would be an offer, an MMFF (Metro Manila Film Festival) enG8>< 9,

It Runs in the Family: Filipina-Canadian shares personal story of queer family members in documentary

by AGNES

CONSANTE AJPress

AFTER a Filipina-Canadian living in Vancouver, BC learned her brother was gay, she found out that at least another half a dozen of their family members were also gay.

Following that discovery, she eventually went on to create a documentary about acceptance and what the modern Filipino queer family could be like based on the experiences of her own.

It was August 2014 when 31year-old Joella Cabalu began working on “It Runs in the Family,” which chronicles a journey she MXe\jjX ?l[^\ej gcXpj k_\ ]\`jkp I`qqf% and her brother, Jay, embarked G_fkf Yp Kfddp >XiZ`X&=FO G8>< 9*

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PHILIPPINE

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Find us on:

*EVA reserves the right to change flight frequency and schedule without prior notice.

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Philippine Airlines and PH Dept. of Tourism introduce direct flights from LA to Cebu CELEBRATING 75 years in the skies, Philippine Airlines, in support with the the Philippine Department of Tourism, hosted a roadshow tour in the US, visiting Las Vegas, San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco to promote Philippine tourism and the new, inaugural direct ďŹ&#x201A;ights for 2016 from Los Angeles to Cebu.

Present at the LA event on Feb. 3rd were Philippine delegates from the Department of Tourism and the Philippine Airlines board, as well as Philippine Consulate General of Los Angeles, Leo Herrera-Lim, and his wife. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A direct flight from Philippine Airlines is of tremendous value,â&#x20AC;?

Herrera-Lim said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t travel directly to Manila, there are over 7,000 islands in the

Philippines, plus our neighbors to choose from.â&#x20AC;?

Various travel agencies including CCT.168 Travel and Tours Corporation, Mart Evers Travel & Tours, Jeron Travel and Tours Corporation, Rajah Tours Philippines, Inc., Travel Experts, Inc., Southwind Travel & Tours, Travelite Travel and Tours Co., and Sun Travel & Tours Corp. also came to present tour and travel packages at special rates, in promotion with Philippine Airlinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; inaugural flights.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more fun in the Philippines -- Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surfing in Siargao, island hopping in Palawan and exploring the Underground River, lounging in Boracay, or diving with tropical fish in Batangas, the Philippines have a lot to offer.

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The Department of Tourism also previewed some of its new clips and commercials showcasing different cultural aspects and well-known sites of the Philippines (including Bohol, Davao, Cebu, Siquijor, Negros Oriental, Boracay, and Palawan, to name a few), and a music video featuring Filipino artist Apl.de.Ap. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This year, we promise a much more exciting Philippines campaign--Visit the Philippines Again.

Find any excuse to come back,â&#x20AC;? said Richmond Jimenez, the Tourism Director of Los Angeles.

Beginning in March 15, direct flights from LAX to the Cebu International Airport will be offered at very special rates from Philippine Airlines. The non-stop, direct inaugural flight from Los Angeles to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport will fly three times weekly, on Tuesdays/Thursdays/Saturdays, for as low as $713 US dollars round-trip. The special rate includes all fares, taxes, and fuels, as well as two free baggage allowance, from now until March 15, when ďŹ&#x201A;ights will start up. Other exclusive Philippine Airline perks include Mabuhay Miles, access to international business-class lounges, and the Mabuhay Lounge at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Why Cebu? -- As a resort and heritage destination, Cebu offers both history and natural beauty. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cebu is the oldest city in the Philippines, and it is a central island location,â&#x20AC;? said Philippine Dept. of Tourism Cebu Regional Director, Rowena Montecillo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Mactan Cebu Airport was voted the 2nd busiest airport in the Philippines, and one of the top in Asia.The island province offers many treasures, from tropical beach destinations to world class resorts.â&#x20AC;?

As the official airlines of the

Philippines, PAL offers a number of domestic flight connections from centrally-located Cebu City. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We ďŹ&#x201A;y to 30 destinations, including Boracay, Cagayan de Oro, Tacloban, Davao, and 41 international destinations, from London to Singapore to Auckland,â&#x20AC;? said PAL Los Angeles Area Manager, Marie Jemma Saranillo, in a presentation.

The Dept. of Tourism incentives for travelers include a welcome lei reception, banners, and sinulog performers upon arrival in Cebu.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re very lucky to have Philippine Airlines as our partner this time, as they are launching their inaugural flight from LA to Cebu.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re very happy that people can come directly from the US, and it is a huge boost to the tourism in Cebu. Our international airport is new and improved, managed by private sectors. We have different travel agencies here promoting the many beautiful things Cebu-and the entire Philippines--has to offer,â&#x20AC;? said Montecillo.

The Philippine government is also working with the Dept. of Tourism to improve infrastructure, from relationships with transportation agencies to city roads. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everything is being laid out by this administration. We would not be here without the support and funding of the Philippine government,â&#x20AC;? Montecillo said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more fun in the Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is really about the Filipino people, who are known for our hospitality. We want the mainstream USA to come here and explore this beautiful culture that we call home. For the younger generations, we encourage you to see the culture and history of where you came from, meet and reconnect with family, and of course, the adventure,â&#x20AC;? said Montecillo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is now the right time to visit. We are ready for you now.â&#x20AC;?

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Celebrate the Year of the Fire Monkey by making the decision to quit smoking SAN DIEGOâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; The start of a New Year offers a new opportunity to set new goals, or to try again to reach your goal. To celebrate the Year of the Fire Monkey, which is known in Asian culture for its cleverness and openness to new challenges, you also can also find the motivation and confidence to overcome an addiction to nicotine and smoking. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can decide to quit smoking and change your life any time,â&#x20AC;? said Dr. Caroline Chen, project manager of the Asian Smokersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Quitline. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But quitting smoking this year can be especially inspiring as the Fire Monkey symbolizes the most active and confident of all monkey years, according to the Lunar Zodiac.â&#x20AC;?

The Asian Smokersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Quitline (ASQ) is a free nationwide telephone program for Chinese-, Korean-, and Vietnamese-speakers who want to quit. ASQ offers various services, including self-help materials, one-on-one counseling over the phone, and a free two-week starter kit of nicotine patches.

Here are the cessation coachesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; top ten tips for quitting successfully:

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FIGURE OUT WHY YOU WANT TO QUIT.

Do you want to improve your stamina? Save money? Whatever gets you fired up, write it down.

A strong reason can get you started, and it will help you stay quit when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re tempted to smoke.

2

CALL THE ASIAN SMOKERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; QUITLINE!

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to contact ASQ, which is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Pacific Time: â&#x20AC;˘ 1-800-838-8917 Mandarin and Cantonese â&#x20AC;˘ 1-800-556-5564 Korean â&#x20AC;˘ 1-800-778-8440 Vietnamese People who call the Asian Smokersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Quitline are twice as likely to quit for good. A trained cessation coach will help you create a personalized plan to quit and offer support along the way. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free, and it works! Deleted Facebook.

3

MAKE A PLAN.

Think about when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll want to smoke. Plan something else for those times, to keep your hands busy and your mind off cigarettes. Common triggers are stress, alcohol, and socializing. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your plan to get through these times without smoking? Examples: drink water, talk to a nonsmoker, take a walk.

4

SEEK OUT SUPPORT FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY. Discuss your plan to quit with the people you trust. Let them know what they can do to help. In return, they will enjoy cleaner air and a longer, happier life - with you still in it!

5

SET A QUIT DATE.

Choose a date when you will quit. This shows youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re serious.

6

QUIT ON YOUR QUIT DATE.

Sounds obvious, right? But what good is a quit date unless you actually try to stop smoking?

Planning is good - doing is even better.

7

USE A QUITTING AID.

Nicotine-replacement therapies and other FDA-approved medications are helpful and may be available through your health care or Medicare benefits. Products like nicotine patches and gum make withdrawal easier. They also increase your chance of success. Talk to your doctor about which quitting aid is right for you.

8

MAKE YOUR HOME AND CAR SMOKE-FREE

This will help you stay off smoking. And as your sense of smell improves, your nose will thank you!

9

ENVISION YOURSELF AS A NONSMOKER

After you quit, you have a choice to make. Are you a smoker whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just not smoking for now? Or are you a nonsmoker? For nonsmokers, smoking is not an option in any situation. Choose to see yourself as a nonsmoker.

10

KEEP TRYING.

Most people make several attempts before they quit for good. Slips donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to turn into relapses - but if they do, remember each time brings you closer to your goal. If you keep trying, you will succeed!

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MOONLIGHTING

MY first knowledge of the world and about life came to me through my senses. They were directed by my mother.

She was the first person I saw, felt and depended on, on the day I was born.

Everything made me wail desperatelyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;hunger, light and anger.

The memory of my mother and her teachings were, after all, what I have made my way.

I remember the day I guided her to her flight gate. It was the last time I saw my mother alive.

She turned around, waved at us and smiled blithely. She cheered us with her mirth.

She was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.

I missed her until I ached. I missed her steadfast faith in a loving unseen God, her complete love for her family anchored on the dictum â&#x20AC;&#x153;Love one another.â&#x20AC;?

Giving all, asking little and accepting less. There never was a woman like her.

She was rich and a treasured gift from God, who taught us what real love meant: sharing the hurts, hopes, joys and homecomings.

When we grew older and went our separate ways, she said love is about staying when it would be easier to leave, defending when others accuse and holding on when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re tempted to let go.

Most importantly, it is letting go when you desperately want to hold on.

She was an accomplished gardenerâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;her orchids bloomed in the moonlight and her roses grew even in winter.

But her five girls were her ferthat would relate to a lot of families, particularly I wanted to share a story of people of color, so why not share my own family story?â&#x20AC;?

When she pitched the idea, both her brother and cousin Monica Sales-Cuyong, who lives in Northern California, expressed their support. Cabaluâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relatives in the Philippines, including a cousin she had never met, also backed her proposal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think for them it was like, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;OK, this is going to happen. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to help you if that means youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to come here and visit usâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;,â&#x20AC;? she said.

The first part of Cabaluâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s documentary tells the story of SalesCuyong and her wife, Jolly. SalesCuyong talks about how her family was supportive of her coming out, and Jay expresses a desire to replicate that type of support in his own family.

When they flew to the Philippines, which was the first time the siblings had been back in more than 20 years, Cabalu and Jay met their cousin Carlo â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jazzâ&#x20AC;?

Passion who identifies as female but says she would fill in â&#x20AC;&#x153;maleâ&#x20AC;? in questionnaires or surveys. PasG8>< 9,

Philstar.com

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Entering the US with a fake visa had grave consequences Citizen Pinoy shows how a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;fraud waiverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; could save the day!

JOHNNATAN visited the US in 2002 with a tourist visa he acquired through a newspaper ad that offered a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Non-Appearance Visaâ&#x20AC;? for $2500. He breezed through US Immigration without incident. In 2003, he returned to the US for another vacation, but this time he was detained, handcuffed, held overnight, and returned back to the Philippines the next day, without even seeing his family! He was charged with fraud and was banned for life from entering the US!

Such devastating news! Especially when his motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s petition for him became current in 2013.

At his Immigrant Visa interview at the US Embassy, he and his young daughter were refused immigrant visas due to his visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visa fraud in 2003. This shattered Johnnatanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dreams for a better life for his daughter, and his long-time dream to be reunited with his family.

The Carpio family decided to consult with leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel

for help. Atty. Gurfinkelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teams in the US and in Manila came to the rescue by preparing a convincing presentation and filing a Fraud waiver for Johnnatan, which USCIS approved.

Watch how Atty. Gurfinkel was able to help the Carpio family realize their dream of being reunited in the US on a brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoyâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;on Sunday 6:15pm PST/EST (9:15pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

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It Runs in the Family: Filipina-Canadian shares...

G8>< 9( on to meet their queer relatives in Oakland, California and Manila.

The beginnings of the project were rooted in around the time the documentary â&#x20AC;&#x153;For the Bible Tells me Soâ&#x20AC;? was released in 2007, around the same time Jay revealed his sexuality to his sister.

It followed five American Christian families and how they dealt with the coming out of their children. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That made me start thinking about how this story would unfold

if it was my own family,â&#x20AC;? Cabalu said, noting her Roman Catholic background. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What I noticed about the [movie] was that there was only one family that was of color, and they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even get that much screen time, either.â&#x20AC;?

Cabalu also remembered the director of the documentary noting that it was a challenge to find minorities also dealing with the same issue, and she said she felt like there was an opportunity to tell that kind of story.

While sharing what her family has gone through required her relatives to open up and share vulnerable parts of their lives and identities to potentially thousands of people, Cabalu felt that doing so would result in a tale that could resonate with many people. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think the reason why I wanted to share something that was so personal was I think that was just it: because I felt so connected to the story and I felt like there was something really compelling there

Songs that my mother taught me tile field. In the soul of the human heart, she was perfect.

In her childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hearts, she had tenderly planted the seeds of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control.

She courageously protected that precious field from destruction and uninvited strangers.

When spiritual or physical tribulations threatened her brood, she worked with a bleeding hand to protect the roots of life from violent storms, as she struggled through seasons of growth, celebrated unharmed growth as she weeded, watered, plowed and prayed.

When our hearts got broken or when our dreams fell apart, she would remind us that God holds the key to real happiness. He is the rebuilder of dashed hopes and shattered dreams. Her cheerful heart and encouragement were transfusions of courage.

Her weekend mornings were meant for special things, and anybody who messed with the divine plan placed her health and eternal happiness in great danger.

Yet, when the grand and great grandchildren came, she found joy in Saturday and Sunday mornings, filled with scampering feet, raucous laughter and squeals of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Apong!â&#x20AC;?

She relished her home, straightened just yesterday and now strewn with toys and coloring books.

She was always a tender nurse beside the bed of a sick child; a diplomatic disciplinarian; and a mighty warrior against the force of evil which threatened her domain.

She taught us that laughter would lengthen your life span, improve your marriage and increase your humility.

She would have liked her

by MYLAH JOYCE JIMENEZ DE Lby EON

9*

funeral. It had decorum and dashâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;grief borne nobly, as were her very ways.

It was full of children, laborers, lawyers and judges. It had a marvelous eyeful jumble of the mighty and the obscure, with the sounds of the day smashingly appropriate.

The tolling of the bells and her loved onesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; silent laments blended with elegiac Schubert, Toselli, Romberg, Mendelssohn, Debussy and the lugubrious songs of lost love by Nicanor Abelardo and Buencamino.

She would have seen every person she had helpedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the simple folks of labor, their employees, her grieving friends.

Each one bore tales and evoked her so vividly that tears splashed on the red carpet and benches of the parlor. They all wept, but nobody broke down.

I believe that God has a special place for her and that she and her friends are happy and singing â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Love Thee,â&#x20AC;? Schubertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ave Maria,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I Grow Too Old To Dream,â&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ay, Ay Kalisud.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Come on,â&#x20AC;? she would coax me. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You sing alto, it goes like this, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll sing soprano.â&#x20AC;?

She was a coloratura soprano.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d rush to her with joy because I knew how happy it would make her as I accompanied her on the piano.

She would sing a capella, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Trees,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Indian Love Call,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nasaan ka Irogâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;La Golondrina,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;None But the Lonely Heartsâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;On Wings of Song.â&#x20AC;?

They are the most beautiful songs Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever heard.

Today, she would have been 91. Happy Birthday, Mumsy! ***

E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@ aol.com

ERRATUM IN the photo essay â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chinese New Year at The Americana at Brandâ&#x20AC;? from Wednesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s MDWK Magazine (Feb. 3, 2016), the Asian Journal was unable to credit photographer Eunice Jeon for the photos used in the piece. It was also mistakenly indicated that the event transpired on Sat. Feb. 1, instead of Jan. 30.

The Asian Journal regrets this inadvertent error and apologizes for any inconvenience that this has caused.

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The Global Kababayan G. TÖNGI

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MONDAY, Feb. 8 - Renowned singer and actor Miguel Vera, who appeared in the Asian regional productions of “Miss Saigon” and many musicals staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, presents his first-ever US solo concert to be held at the Knotts Berry Farm Hotel on Friday, Feb. 12. Tickets are sold $40, you may call (714) 814-0412 or (818) 913-3329 for more information.

Joining him is coloratura soprano Kit Navarro, soloist of the Pacific Chorale, which is based at the Segerstrom Performing Arts Center in Orange County. Navarro played the role of “Maria Clara” in the US production of Cayabyab’s “Noli Me Tangere.

Tuesday, Feb. 9 - The office of Aquino & Loew joins us for our first live show this month. This is a chance for kababayans to ask Immigration questions by calling us LIVE at 3:30pm in Los Angeles.

Wednesday, Feb. 10 - Midweek News Updates from the Asian Journal and.

Captain Flestado talks about how joining the US army can lead to citizenship and a college scholarship.

Professor Brandon Reilly discusses the history of the languages used in ancient Filipino romance.

Mia Mcleod of McLeod and Associates gives real estate advice.

Thursday, Feb. 11 - Joan Almedilla comes to the show with Tateng Katindig and Cellist Matthew John Ignacio. These artists getting together is like a match made in Heaven. Watch the show to be serenaded by their beautiful music right in time for Valentines Day this weekend.

Friday, Feb. 12 - Our original Fil-Am sketch comedy group offers a “Pun Plip Priday” skit for Valentine’s. Get to know Paradise Cove in Malibu, too! ***

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Take the ‘Journey to Success’ at Cal State LA Asian American, Pacific Islander students welcome to a college expo at Cal State LA Feb. 20 ows how a ‘fraud waiver’ could save the day!

WHAT: Cal State LA to host “Journey to Success,” a college expo for Asian American and Pacific Islander students and families. The outreach event will include free parking, breakfast, special giveaways, college resources and student panels.

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: Cal State LA’s Golden Eagle Ballrooms.

The University is located at the Eastern Avenue exit at the interchange of the 10 and 710 freeways.

MORE: Open to high school and community

MANGO MIX

college students, the “Journey to Success” will feature workshops regarding how to prepare and pay for college, information on CSU requirements for admission and application processes, and representatives from Cal State LA and other CSU campuses.

This college expo is sponsored by the California State University’s (CSU) Asian American and Pacific Islander Initiative.

INFO: For details, go to calstate.edu/journeytosuccess or call the Office of Outreach and Recruitment at Cal State LA, (323) 343-3839.

Best wine regions of the world

by MARTIN

JASON L. ITA-AS

WINE is an interesting drink.

How many years it is bottled and the types of grapes used in it affects the flavor greatly. People love the stuff so much that some people have dedicated their lives to studying this delectably-aged nectar.

But which country has the better skill at producing this rich alcoholic beverage? Here’s a quick ranking of the countries known to produce good wine and the kinds of grapes that they handle best: #5 GERMANY Notable grape types: Riesling, Müller-Thurgau Germany is well-known for producing some of the most aromatic white wines, mostly due to the types of grapes they grow and use within the country. German wines are exported primarily to the United States and the United Kingdom. International opinions about the German wines are mixed. On one hand, many consider Germany to be quite skillful in producing the most elegant and pure white wines in the world. However, others think of that most wines produced there are cheap, semi-sweet wines that are mass-marketed. #4 AUSTRALIA Notable grape types: Chardonnay, Shiraz Australia often relies on the wine export market. Since the weakening of the US dollar, it has expanded its markets to Hong Kong and all around Asia.

Grape vines first arrived in Australia in 1788. Despite the slow start caused by heat and humidity, constant experimentation and study helped winemakers produce some aromatic and flavorful types. A man named James Busby, a man involved in viticulture in 1825, collected 650 varieties from Europe and transported them to Australia. 362 types survived and have now be-

come the predecessors of many grape vines found within the country. #3 SPAIN Notable grape types: Tempranillo, Airén Home to the largest vineyard acreage in the whole world, growing and producing wine is a well-known art that has been experimented and studied for many years. Despite this, though, Spain yields less wine than the top two countries on this list. Spanish wines are often known to emphasize their flavor for the sake of tasting. Some major Spanish wine regions include the Rioja and Ribera del Duero, which are known for their tempranillo production and Valdepeñas, known for high-quality tempranillo at low prices. #2 Italy Notable grape types: Sangiovese, Trebbiano Etruscans and the Grecian settlers produced wine in Italy before the Romans started their own vineyards. Italian wine is exported around the world and is also extremely popular within its own country. At 42 liters per capita consumption, Italians are ranked fifth in the world on the wine consumption list. Grapes are grown in almost every region, and there are more than a million vineyards under cultivation, though there is a growing trend in Italy to remove vineyards. Italy has reduced their production by at least 7 percent since 2007.

#1 France Notable grape types: Merlot, Grenache Produced throughout France, quantities between 50 to 60 million hectoliters (7-8 billion bottles) of French wine are made per year, making France one of the largest wine producers in the entire world. The history of their wine goes all the way back to the 6th century BC, with the processes and practices going back as far as the time of the early Romans. They have produced and sold internationally a multitude of types, from expensive luxury brands to modest labels (a majority only found within France itself).

If you are a wine connoisseur, perhaps someday you can travel to one of these countries and taste the products straight from the source. !!!

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Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy It Runs in the Family: Filipina-Canadian shares...

MESENCHYMAL Stem Cells (MSCs) are environmentally responsive therapeutics for regenerative medicine. They are partially defined by their ability to differentiate into various tissues, but their trophic, paracrine, and immunomodulatory functions may have the greatest therapeutic impacts.

Unlike pharmaceutical treatments that deliver a single agent at a specific dose, MSCs are site regulated and secrete bioactive factors and signals at variable concentrations in response to local microenvironmental cues.

MSCs function as surveyors of their kingdom, capable of responding to local stimuli with a myriad of beneficial interventions. The availability and versatility of these remarkable cells make them an excellent treatment option for a wide variety of clinical pathologies, and it falls to the scientific community to establish clear guidelines for the optimal administration of MSCbased therapies.

The first stem cell implant occurred in the 1960s via a bone marrow transplant for leukemia. At the time, doctors didn’t know stem cell activity was potentially saving the patient’s life. It was known that there were unknown properties in the red blood cells (RBCs) that helped the patient survive but they did not have the ability to isolate the stem cells to deliver them in a concentrated manner.

The misconceptions of stem cell therapy include the Planned Parenthood controversy and that stem cells come from aborted fetuses or only embryos. In fact, stem cells are harvested from the umbilical cord of a healthy, newborn baby.

Clinical Applications Rejuvenation: Replaces the old and damaged cells throughout the body.

Heart disease: Stem cells help the cardiac cells regrow, increase the effective ejection fraction and decrease the blood markers associated with heart failure.

Asthma, lung disease, COPD: Circulating stem cells help to replace the scar tissue in the lungs.

Type II Diabetes: Helps to regrow insulin-secreting cells called beta cells of Langerhans in the pancreas.

Parkinson’s disease: Can help to balance the dopamine/acetycholine balance in the substantia nigra portion of the mid-brain diminishing musculoskeletal movements and helps with cognition.

Alzheimer’s disease: Plaque formation inside the cells of the brain causes the cells to not communicate with each other. The stem cells don’t remove the plaque but rather cause the axons and dendrites to connect around the plaque allowing renewed communication of the cells.

ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease): Stem cells help regenerate the myelin sheath and help to restore nerve function.

Multiple Sclerosis: Autoimmune disorder that causes neurological dysfunction and eventual paralysis and death.

Autoimmune Disorders and Dermatological Conditions: This is characterized by upregulation of T1 cells that cause the body to attack itself. Stem cells naturally act to balance the T1-T2 activity by its immunomodulatory activity in the Heart, Lung, Kidney, Skin, Adrenal, Pancreas, Thyroid, Reproductive, Salivary, Digestive, Blood, Connective Tissue, Muscle, Nervous System, Eyes, Ears, Vascular, includes Crohns Disease and Lime Disease.

Orthopedic Conditions: Orthopedic injuries have a significant amount of inflammation along with potential tendon, ligament, muscle, cartilage, or bone injuries. Anti-inflammatory properties of stem cells regulate the inflammation.

Erectile dysfunction (not caused by reaction to medication): The disorder is typically caused by longterm uncontrolled hypertension; when the elastin is stretched due

Jericho frowns on showbiz...

G8>< 9( try.” “#WalangForever” won for Jericho and costar Jennylyn Mercado the best actor and best actress awards, respectively, at the 2015 MMFF. It also bagged best picture.

Jericho said working on “#WalangForever,” a romantic comedy, had been “a challenging and embarrassing experience” for him. He explained: “I was forced to step out of my comfort zone because I was used to doing heavy drama—those that required me to express intense emotion. It was tough playing Ethan because I had to recall how to be flirty and naughty—qualities that I no longer have, because I’m already married.”

The actor, who is celebrating his 20th anniversary in showbiz, considered “#WalangForever” a career highlight, along with the drama series, “Pangako sa ’Yo” (2000) and “Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas” (2003).

“I do plan my career,” he went on. “When I turn 40, I hope to pro-

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duce box-office hit films like Piolo (Pascual, coproducer of the successful “Kimmy Dora” franchise).

But I know it’s a matter of finding the right people to work with you.

Who knows, I might also get involved in TV production? But my dream really is to work behind the camera. I want to be able to share my heart with my audience.”

to high blood pressure, it loses its ability to contract.

Other conditions that can be helped include: rheumatoid arthritis; osteoarthritis; bulging or herniated discs; spinal cord Injuries; meniscus; stroke; lupus; post-operative inflammation.

Method of treatment Most of the disease processes we are dealing with are systemic in nature and not localized to a specific joint or site. Take rheumatoid arthritis for example: we tend to think of an older person with swollen joints who has a hard time walking, but in reality, the inflammation occurs throughout the body and affects almost every part. If you were to only put stem cells in the painful joints, the patient would only have a certain amount of relief. Since this is a systemic condition we would use 90 percent intravenously to treat the systemic condition and only about 10 percent in specific joints that are specifically painful.

Stem cells are stored at a temperature of -192 C. At that temperature they are completely dormant and remain in their natural state with their natural properties. Live Stem Cells concentration are certified and guaranteed by the stem cell bank. It is administered by IV infusion, a 20-30 minute process and there are no known side effects.

Contributed by Gloria Weischadle, with data from various sources. Gloria is the marketing director and distributor of stem cells in California. For more information, call (818) 207-4524 or visit www. stemcellscience.net.

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G8>< 9*

sion dresses like a female, but his father, Willie, still calls him Carlo.

Similarly, the kids still call him Tito Carlo.

In intimate conversations with their cousin and uncle, the Cabalu siblings learn that their Tito Willy has no problem with Jazz’s sexuality.

“You are you and I am me.

That’s it. I love you. You love me.

Tapos na!” he shares in the film.

The siblings also meet and interview their Tito Ronald and Tito Chris Cabalu. Tito Chris, who is gay, tells them that the family has at least six other gay relatives.

Jazz, Tito Chris and Tito Ronald also share with Cabalu and Jay that “coming out” does not exist in the Philippines as it does in the United States. It’s more of a Western concept, Jazz says, as in the Philippines, it’s more of just letting the family know; in Tito Chris’ day, there was no such thing as “coming out.”

“It Runs in the Family” also integrates snippets of the 20th annual LGBT parade, where protestors and participants alike are filmed.

At the conclusion of the documentary, the siblings say they gained a better understanding of where they came from.

“It’s clear we come from good people,” Cabalu said.

Cabalu delivered the documentary in June 2015 and the project was enlightening for her and Jay. But she admitted that it wasn’t easy balancing her role as a filmmaker and a sister.

“There were parts where I wanted to protect my brother and

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not go into those vulnerable places that he wants to dissociate himself with. But at the same time, as a filmmaker, that makes the story [better],” she said.

In the end, however, Cabalu said working on the project with Jay brought them closer and added some depth to their relationship.

Now that the film is complete, Cabalu is busy submitting it to film festivals. While she told her family’s story in part because it is representative of an Asian family dealing with an issue that is not always easy to openly discuss, she said she also did so for another reason: to spark conversation about what it means to be a family despite inevitable problems or opposing views.

“I feel that this is one of those ways to show my own family, a particular family in a particular racial community in the diaspora, and how there are complex and diverse attitudes and opinions.

Yet we still love each other as a

family. I think that’s one of the main takeaways of the film. Media representation of Asian communities, particularly, I believe, are just brushed in one color that’s very monolithic, very conservative. And I think this film kind of demystifies that,” she said.

“It Runs in the Family” has a runtime of 45 minutes and is scheduled for release in June on OUTtv, Canada’s only National LGBT Television Network. It premiered in Canada at the Reelout Queer Film & Video Festival on Sunday, Jan. 31, in Kingston, Ontario.

The film will premiere in the United States at the Seattle Asian American Film Festival on Saturday, Feb. 20, at 5:30 p.m., and will screen at the Center for Asian American Media Festival in San Francisco on March 12 and March 19.

Cabalu wrote, directed and was one of two producers of the documentary.

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COMMUNITY

Your Immigration Solution ATTY. ROBERT REEVES AND NANCY MILLER BEING convicted of a crime that immigration law categorizes as an aggravated felony is devastating. The relief available to a non-citizen in this situation is extremely limited. An immigrant may face removal even if he has lived here most of his life and even if the crime categorized as an aggravated felony is neither aggravated nor a felony under state law.

Under subsection (F) of the Immigration & Nationality Act, a crime of violence for which the term of imprisonment is at least 1 year is an aggravated felony.

In a recent case, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision that narrowed the definition of which crimes can be considered an aggravated felony as a crime of violence.

Hector Ramirez was convicted under California Penal Code §273a(a) and sentenced to more than 1 year in prison. The Immigration Judge held that his conviction was an aggravated felony as a crime of violence and the Board of Immigration Appeals upheld that decision.

Ramirez timely appealed to the 9th Circuit. The 9th Circuit held that §273a(a) is not a categorical crime of violence because it is broader than the generic federal definition in 18 U.S.C. §16.

It also found that the statute is not divisible. Thus, the court found that the conviction under that statute is not an aggravated felony.

The court explained that, in order to assess whether a state conviction is an aggravated felony, it must employ the “categorical approach” to determine whether the state offense matches the “generic” federal definition of the relevant offense - which is 18 U.S.C. §16(a) or (b) here. This is accomplished by “comparing the elements of the statute of conviction with a federal definition of the crime to

JOURNAL Ninth Circuit continues to narrow which crimes are aggravated felony crimes of violence

determine whether conduct proscribed by the statute is broader than the generic federal definition”. As the court further explained, “in making this comparison, we must rely exclusively on the elements of the two crimes, ‘[b]ecause we examine what the state conviction necessarily involved, not the facts underlying the case, [and so] must presume that the conviction rested upon nothing more than the least of th[e] acts’ criminalized.’ We then determine whether even those acts are encompassed by the generic federal offense.”

As the court further discussed, “if the federal generic offense is not itself a crime, but rather a classification of crimes, like crimes[s] of violence, then we also compare the crime of conviction with other crimes determined to fall within that classification. If, after conducting this categorical analysis, we conclude that the state statute of conviction criminalizes more conduct than the federal generic offense, then the state conviction does not fall within the federal definition of crime of violence for immigration purposes.”

The DHS had argued that the statute was a divisible statute and should be held to be a crime of violence under a “modified categorical approach” analysis.

The court, in addressing this argument, stated that a divisible statute lists, in essence, several different crimes. If at least one of those crimes matches the

generic version, a court must determine which crime the defendant was convicted of by looking at various documents of conviction to determine whether the alien was convicted of a set of elements that falls within the generic definition. As the court stated, the critical distinction is that while indivisible statutes may contain multiple, alternative means of committing the offense, only divisible statutes contain multiple alternative elements of functionally separate crimes. The key question here is whether a jury would have to be unanimous in finding those separate elements.

In turning to CPC §273a(a), the court held that the statute criminalizes conduct that would not necessarily involve the affirmative use of force, including passive, negligent conduct.

As such, it is not a categorical match with the federal generic statute. The court further concluded that the various parts of CPC §273a(a) constitute separate means of committing a single offense. Therefore, the court concluded that CPC §273a(a) is an indivisible statute and is not a categorical match with 18 U.S.C. §16 and is not a crime of violence under the aggravated felony definition in the Immigration & Nationality Act. The court has addressed the issue of crime of violence aggravated felonies several times in the recent past. Therefore, many

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Minding Your Finances ATTY. RAYMOND BULAON YOU already know that your home is in foreclosure. You’ve received that dreaded Notice of Default. You know that after 90 days, your home can be scheduled for a Trustee Sale. You don’t have a lot of time left. Your home with all its memories, hopes and dreams will be gone. What are you going to do?

Facing foreclosure can be every homeowner’s worst nightmare. These days, you see a lot of companies offering you a “solution” to your problems. But can they actually deliver? Should you short sale your home, refinance or should you apply for a loan modification? The options you hear about can be confusing because you don’t know what to believe and who to trust.

The economic downturn has crushed a lot of hopes and dreams. I am sure this is not what you planned when you bought your house. Perhaps you planned on staying in this house for good. Or maybe it was just going to be a temporary home until you were ready for a bigger and nicer place. A lot of people

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Avoid this big mistake when facing foreclosure also bought a home several years ago for investment purposes, hoping that someday they would be able to sell it at a profit after living in it for a few years. But now everyone is dealing with a different reality.

One of the legal remedies available to stop a foreclosure is by filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 13 gets you up to 5 years to catch up and keep your home. If you have other debts like credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, back property taxes and all other types of debt, it also allows you to consolidate all these bills into one monthly payment that you can afford. A lot of people are not aware of this but Chapter 13 is a lot more affordable than trying to bring your account current with the lender on your own.

The biggest mistake that you can make when facing foreclosure is to wait until the last minute to take action. Once foreclosure begins, the clock is ticking and every day you wait doing nothing is a day wasted. It boggles my mind when I get calls from homeowners sometimes who tell me that their house is being sold the next day and

that they need to file bankruptcy right away to stop it (same day that they are calling my office).

They don’t understand that filing bankruptcy often requires some planning to make sure that it is done correctly and that the filing meets the client’s objectives.

And if you are waiting until the day before the sale to even call a lawyer to find out what your options are to save your property, there’s a big chance that you will be out of luck and that you will either have very limited or no options at all.

If your lender has sent you a foreclosure notice of any kind, do not take it lightly. Consult with a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney who can help you find a way to save your home. For a free consultation with me, call TollFree 1-866-477-7772. We have offices in Los Angeles, Cerritos, Pasadena and Valencia. *** Efe\ f] k_\ `e]fidXk`fe _\i\`e `j `e$ k\e[\[ kf ^`m\ c\^Xc X[m`Z\ ]fi Xep jg\Z`ÔZ j`klXk`fe% 8kkp% IXp 9lcXfe _Xj jlZZ\jj$ ]lccp _\cg\[ k_fljXe[j f] Zc`\ekj `e ^\kk`e^ flk f] [\Yk% =fi X ]i\\ Xkkfie\p \mXclXk`fe f] pfli j`klXk`fe# gc\Xj\ ZXcc IXp 9lcXfe CXn F]ÔZ\j Xk KFCC =I<< ( /-- +..$...)%

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ATTY. ROMAN P. MOSQUEDA

USCIS reverses itself and grants citizenship to Australian lawful permanent resident

ON December 16, 2015, a female Australian lawful permanent resident was allowed to take her oath of allegiance and granted U.S. citizenship.

Previously, by Decision dated June 25, 2015, her application for naturalization was denied by USCIS, after appearing for an interview on her eligibility thereon on February 11, 2015.

The denial was based on her conviction on October 1, 2013 for public intoxication in violation of Section 647(f) of the California Penal Code, for which she served sentence of 1 day in County Jail and paid a fine of $699.23.

Although admittedly a petty offense, the Decision stated that: “This offense constitutes an unlawful act committed

within the five-year statutory period immediately preceding the filing of your application for naturalization (on October 8, 2014) that adversely reflects upon your moral character and demonstrates a lack of reform of character.”

The Australian young lady retained the services of this Author to appeal the aforesaid Decision, by requesting a hearing on Form N-336 within 30 calendar day of service of the Decision on July 22, 2015, by mail.

Public Intoxication Is Not A Crime Involving Moral Turpitude: Public Intoxication is punishable under Section 647 of the California Penal Code as misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

Indeed, paragraph (f) thereof refers to a person found in any

Legal Commentary

public place under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs, in a condition that he or she is unable to exercise care/or his or her own safety or the safety of others, or interferes with or abstracts or prevents the free use of any street, sidewalk, or other public way.

When the young Australian lady was arrested by the Ventura County Sheriff, she “was (allegedly) intoxicated and unable to care for herself.” But she did not commit a crime of violence against another, nor was she a danger to another person.

A violation of Section 647 (f) of the California Penal Code is not a crime involving moral turpitude because it does not contain elements of fraud, theft with an intent to cause great bodily-

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Tax Tips VICTOR SY, CPA, MBA

PAY attention to your filing status because it determines your standard deduction, tax due, or refund. Here are 12 tips to help you choose your correct filing status: 1. There are five filing status options to choose from: single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household and qualified widow/widower with dependent child.

2. Your marital status on the last day of the year determines your marital status for the entire year. If you get married on 12/31, you are considered married for the whole year. If your divorce decree is finalized on 12/31, you are considered unmarried for the whole year.

3. If more than one filing status applies to you, choose the one that gives you the lowest tax.

Barrister’s Corner ATTY. KENNETH URSUA REYES IMMIGRANTS sometimes find themselves in immigration removal proceedings (deportation) because they have obtained their green cards through fraud and or misrepresentation. A common example would be married children of US citizens who lie to the US Embassy about their marital status by stating that they are single in order to obtain permanent residency. Another common example would be a married person who misrepresents her status as single to the US Embassy or USCIS in order to obtain a green through a petition from a new US Citizen spouse.

These immigrants could have their green cards revoked and later on placed in removal proceeding by the USCIS should the government find out about the fraud or misrepresentation. The USCIS (formerly INS) usually discovers the fraud when the immigrant tries to petition another relative or when the immigrant tries to apply for US Citizenship.

However, there are certain relief available in immigration

12 tips on filing status 4. Single filing status generally applies to anyone who is unmarried, divorced, or legally separated according to state law.

5. A married couple may file a joint return together.

6. A married couple may also elect to file their returns separately.

7. Head of Household generally applies to taxpayers who are unmarried. You must also have paid more than half the cost of maintaining a home for you and a qualifying dependent.

8. You may be able to choose Qualifying Widow(er) with Dependent Child if your spouse died during the year and you have a dependent child.

9. Filing requirements may be different for same-sex couples who may be allowed to file as joint for state tax returns but as single for federal returns. The IRS does not allow joint filing for same-sex marriages. Some states do.

10. Caution: IRS has stepped up its compliance efforts for de-

pendents that have been claimed on multiple returns (meaning your dependent may have been claimed by your ex-spouse or somebody else.)

11. If your spouse died during the year and you did not remarry during the year, you may still file a joint return with your late spouse for the year of death.

12. Head of household status may save you a few bucks. Read our separate tax tips on heads of household. ! ! !

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Fraud waiver under INA section 237(A)(1)(H) court for such immigrants who are the immediate relatives of either a US Citizen or Permanent Resident. This is the fraud waiver under INA §237(a)(1)(H).

The waiver of removal provision under INA §237(a)(1)(H), 8 USC 1227(a)(1)(H), specifically states: (H) Waiver authorized for certain misrepresentations. The provisions of this paragraph relating to the removal of aliens within the United States on the ground that they were inadmissible at the time of admission as aliens described in section 212(a)(6)(C)(i) [8 USC §1182(a)(6)(C)(i)], whether willful or innocent, may, in the discretion of the Attorney General, be waived for any alien (other than an alien described in paragraph (4)(D)) who – (i) is the spouse, parent, son, or daughter of a citizen of the United States or of an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence; and (ii) was in possession of an immigrant visa or equivalent document and was otherwise admissible to the United States at the time of such admission except for those grounds of inadmissibility specified under paragraphs (5)(A) and (7)(A) of section

212(a) [8 USC §1182(a)(5)(A), (7)(A) ] which were a direct result of that fraud or misrepresentation.

A waiver of removal for fraud or misrepresentation granted under this subparagraph shall also operate to waive removal based on the grounds of inadmissibility directly resulting from such fraud or misrepresentation.

Statutory eligibility for the §237(a)(1)(H) waiver is established by an alien who having entered the United States by fraud or misrepresentation, whether willful or innocent, after having obtained an immigrant visa or equivalent document, and is the spouse, parent, son or daughter of a United States citizen or lawful resident alien.

Once statutory eligibility is established, the waiver is granted in the exercise of the Attorney General’s discretion.

For an alien in removal proceedings, the determinations of statutory eligibility and favorable exercise of discretion are made by an immigration judge. 8 C.F.R. §240.11(d). furthermore, unlike most other immigration petitions and applications, as well as most

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Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights ATTY. C. JOE SAYAS, JR. THE use of unreasonable or excessive force by police are in the news now more than ever.

Many thought after the Rodney King incident, this issue will never arise again. But several recent police encounters have become high profile because of the tragic endings to civilians – some became permanently injured, others lost their lives.

What are the remedies for victims of police misconduct?

The Fourth Amendment of the US Constitution guarantees a person’s right to be free from unreasonable use of excessive force by law enforcement officers. Cases decided under a Fourth Amendment claim affirm this guarantee. The police owes a duty to use reasonable care in deciding to use and in fact in using deadly force. The “reasonableness” standard simply asks: Are the officers’ actions “objectively reasonable” in light of the circumstances confronting them?

A police officer, therefore, may use deadly force only if he has a reasonable belief there is an immediate risk that the person being detained will cause death or serious bodily harm. However, an officer who uses excessive force in making a lawful arrest or detention commits a battery.

Consider the following case: On January 2, 2013 Esa Wroth

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harm, nor lewdness, recklessness or malice.

Indeed, other crimes such as simple assault or battery, and even malicious mischief are not crimes involving moral turpitude.

Prior Criminal Convictions Were Outside 5-year Period: Admittedly, the young Australian lady had driving under the influence convictions, but was outside of the 5-year good moral character period of 2010 to 2015.

She had complied with all the probationary conditions and other orders and paid all fines and fees.

And although the USCIS can inquire into time periods be-

:*

Police use of excessive Can I get a green card if I had a previous force violates civil rights marriage petition denied based on fraud? was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). While he was being booked, and while his hands were handcuffed behind him, correctional officers claimed Wroth “resisted” and “acted aggressively” by lunging or grabbing the hand of a deputy.

Meanwhile, Wroth alleged that the deputies knocked Wroth’s head against a concrete wall, and threw his body to the concrete floor. While Wroth was lying on the ground with his hands still cuffed behind his back, officers then punched and kicked him.

They then wrenched Wroth’s arms out of their sockets, and kneed him in the face, while he continued to lay face down and handcuffed. Wroth also claimed being tasered more than 20 times while he was lying on the floor with his hands cuffed behind his back.

Wroth was knocked unconscious, suffered dislocated shoulders, several puncture wounds, and burns from the Tasers, facial bruising, lacerations, swellings, and permanent nerve damage to his hands. Wroth retained burn and puncture scars from the multiple Taser probes. He incurred significant medical expenses and claimed that he will continue to need medical treatments in the future.

Wroth sued the County of Sonoma, the Sheriff of the City of Sonoma and the five correctional officers claiming that his Fourth Amendment rights were violated

due to the intentional and unreasonable use of excessive force by the officers.

The City of Sonoma and the officers claimed that because of Wroth’s resistance, the deputies had to use a leg sweep to place him on the floor. The five officers claimed they had difficulty controlling Wroth, who was handcuffed and lying down on the floor, such that they had to tase him 23 times, kick his head, put their knees to his face, and then wrench out his shoulders. A video of the incident was shown to the court.

The County of Sonoma, the governmental entity which hired, trained, and supervised its officers, may be held civilly liable for the wrongful conduct of these officers. Rather than continue with the litigation, the County of Sonoma agreed to pay $1.25 million to Wroth to settle his claims. ! ! !

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USCIS reverses itself and grants citizenship…

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yond the 5 years, under INA Section 316(e), its reliance on acts outside the statutory period must be tied to current moral conduct.

Extenuating Circumstances and Rehabilitation: Medical records of the young Australian lady show that in the past she has had mayor depressive disorder, alcohol dependence, and eating disorder, bipolar disorder, among other symptoms.

These were extenuating circumstances for prior criminal convictions.

Presently, she attends Alcohol Anonymous and had been alcohol-free since 2013. She is a young married woman who is realizing her potentials. She

teaches tennis and manages a tennis shop.

Apparently, USCIS reversed itself without scheduling a hearing on its Decision denying naturalization. It granted U.S. citizenship to the young Australian lady based on the Request for Hearing (Form N-336) and the Author’s Brief in Support thereof. *** K_\ 8lk_fi# IfdXe G% Dfjhl\[X# `j X Jlg\iCXnp\i ]fi @dd`^iXk`fe `e Jflk_\ie :Xc`]fie`X ]fi )'(+$)'(-% ?\ `j Xcjf X cfe^ k`d\ d\dY\i f] k_\ :Xc`]fie`X GlYc`Z ;\]\e[\ij 8jjfZ`Xk`fe Xj X Zi`d`eXc [\]\ej\ Xkkfie\p ]fi fm\i )' p\Xij% M`j`k _`j n\Yj`k\ Xk nnn% dfjhl\[XcXn%Zfd fi ZXcc )(* ),)$0+/( `e _`j Cfj 8e^\c\j cXn f]ÔZ\j ]fi hl\jk`fej# Zfdd\ek Xe[ ZfejlckXk`fej%

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DEAR Attorney Tan, I recently married a US Citizen, who is my second husband. He has filed an immigrant visa petition and green card application for me. My husband recently received from USCIS a Notice of Intent to Deny the petition that he filed on my behalf. The Notice indicated that the immigrant visa petition could not be approved since the USCIS had determined that I previously entered into a fraudulent marriage to get a green card several years ago. My ex-husband previously filed an immigrant petition on my behalf several years ago, which was denied since USCIS determined that I only married him to get a green card. My second husband and I truly love each other. What are my options? – In Love but Out of Status Dear In Love but Out of Status, Under INA Section 204(c), a person who “attempted or conspired to enter into a marriage” in order to receive permanent resident status in the US is prohibited from obtaining USCIS approval of an immigrant visa petition. Simply stated, Section 204(c) prohibits approval of any immigrant visa petition if there has been a finding of “marriage fraud” in a prior marriage-based petition.

Based on the above law, your case seems at first glance like an “open-and-shut” case in favor of denial. However, you still have hope of getting a green card—a person can apply for and get his immigrant petition approved despite the prior finding of “marriage fraud” under certain circumstances.

You may ask, how is this possible? Isn’t Section 204(c) straightforward? Not quite. The answer lies in the fact that USCIS must independently examine the prior finding of “marriage fraud” in considering the subsequently filed immigrant visa petition. Before invoking the Sec. 204(c) bar to approval of a subsequent visa petition, USCIS must make an independent determination of fraud based upon the record, including but not limited to any evidence gathered during adjudication of the prior visa petition, but may not parrot or rely on the conclusions made by other adjudicators. USCIS must have “substantial and probative” evidence of “marriage fraud.”

Matter of Tawfik, 20 I. & N. Dec. 166, 168.

The determination is to be made by the USCIS district director while adjudicating the subsequent visa petition. Matter of Samsen, 15 I. & N. Dec. 28, 1974 WL 29995 (B.I.A. 1974).

The district director should not give conclusive effect to the determinations made in the prior proceedings, but should reach his own independent conclusion based on the evidence actually before him. Matter of F-, 9 I. & N. Dec. 684 (BIA 1962).

Therefore, in cases such as yours in which the USCIS has indicated it intends to deny the subsequent immigrant visa petition due to the prior finding of “marriage fraud,” new evidence can be submitted that demonstrates that the prior finding of “marriage fraud” was incorrect—i.e., evidence that shows that the prior marriage petition was based on a bona fide marriage, or that explains that the prior denial was based on an incomplete or inaccurate assessment of the facts.

In cases in which the subsequent immigrant visa petition has already been denied, this new evidence should be submitted as part of a motion to reconsider. I recommend that you seek an experienced attorney to assist you in properly presenting the law and facts to the USCIS adjudicator to address the Section 204(c) bar. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philippine American Bar Association.

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Law Office of Haresh Jambusaria Inc. AN IMMIGRATION SPECIALIST focusing on familybased, employment-based and all other areas of immigration.

We also do divorce/nullification of marriage. With over 35 years

of experience, we have an over 90 percent success rate. Our motto is professionalism, reliability and getting results.

Law Office of Haresh Jambusaria Inc.

3660 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 926, Los Angeles, CA 90010 Tel. No. (213) 386-7148, Fax. No. (213) 386-1576, Toll-Free No. (888) 505-9120. Email: hareshlaw@yahoo.com ■

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Debt Relief ATTY. LAWRENCE YANG Business owner with $1.0M labor lawsuits CLIENT is 65. He operates a service-oriented business with 3 outlets in strip malls. He has been in business for 8 years. Of the 3 outlets, two are losing money, while the third has some profit that subsidizes the loss of the first two, and provides client with some disposable income that is barely enough to cover his monthly living expenses. The gross receipts from one outlet, is about $10K a month. 40% goes to rent, 50% goes to labor, so what else is left?

The gross receipts from the second outlet is $4K a month, barely enough to cover rent. The third outlet, which turns a profit keeps client from becoming a homeless person and puts food on the table. So, it’s not a great business, but allows client to survive. He has no retirement accounts, no 401K or pension, and expecting minimum social security when he turns 66 next year. In other words, client still needs to keep the business going beyond retirement, just so he can live a decent life in a rented home. He doesn’t even own a house.

The problem with client’s business is that a service, is performed by individuals who are not technically speaking, employees. When the service is rendered, client takes a cut from the receipt and gives the rest to the individual who performed the service. Let’s just say that these individuals are more independent contractors than employees. Business owners, if they can get away with it, prefer the independent contractor to the employee. Independent contractors are paid on a per customer basis. If a customer walks in and the service is performed, client just gives the independent contractor his share of the payment for services rendered. If there is no customer, there is no salary to pay. In addition, there is no overtime pay to worry about.

For instance, trucking companies prefer to have their drivers buy their own trucks so they can classify them as independent contractors. As independent contractors, drivers do not qualify for employee benefits and do not get paid a salary. Instead, they get a check for each delivery they make. At the end of the month, they prob-

:FDDLE@KP AFLIE8C

Business owner files chapter 7 due to $1.0-M labor lawsuits Seniors seek chapter 7 relief for $48k credit card debt ably get about $10K. From that amount, they deduct their operating expenses. Whatever is left is their net profit for that month.

Are truck drivers employees of the trucking company or are they independent contractors? The same thing can be said for UBER drivers. They own their cars. But UBER gets them the passengers and cuts them a check for each ride. I have clients who make $2K a month gross with UBER doing part time driving. Some make $4K a month gross. Are UBER drivers, employees of UBER or are they independent contractors?

The IRS uses the “control” test.

If the business owner has control over most of the time of the individual, that individual is deemed an employee, not an independent contractor. Going back to client, he has 4 individuals who perform the advertised service for client’s business. He takes a cut from the gross receipt, then, gives the balance to the individual. There are no set “work” times (9 to 5). If a customer comes in at 9.30 pm, the individual performs the service for the customer and then client and individual split the gross receipt for services rendered. Client has operated his business using this method for 8 years. Certainly, he considers the individuals independent contractors, and for 8 years, the individuals appear to agree. But recently, all 4 individuals filed 4 separate state court lawsuits for overtime and back pay with each claiming $250K of unpaid overtime and back pay!! That’s $1.0M of overtime of back pay. Where will client get $1.0M? If he had $1.0M, he would probably just close his business and retire somewhere in the world where no one knows him and where he can live like a king. Maybe in the Caribbean or some remote island country where there’s plenty of sunshine everyday, and live the rest of his life in peace. Last he checked, he only had $1K in his business checking account. He’s just short $999K. Client opts for Chapter 7 for a fresh start to discharge the $1.0M lawsuits. But can bankruptcy wipe out claims for unpaid overtime and back pay? It sure can. They are not exempted from discharge; therefore, they

are dischargeable. Even if plaintiffs attempt to prove that these claims are not dischargeable under say, “intent to cause damage” or “fraud”, client would prevail because client’s intent was to enter into a business contract with these individuals and these individuals voluntarily and freely agreed to this business relationship between client and them.

Client did not put a gun on their heads to force them to perform the service. It’s clearly a business relationship that worked for both client and plaintiffs for 8 years.

Seniors with $48k credit card debt The next client is 68 with equity in his residence of $150K but owes $48K of credit card debt.

He started getting social security of $1,800. His wife gets social security of $1,200. After the house payment of $1,500 and necessary expenses, there is no money left to pay minimum credit card debt of $1,400 monthly. This is a no brainer. Client and wife opt for a fresh start as seniors to discharge $48K of credit card debt, which they carried for 20 years. They only paid $312K of interest in 20 years and they still owe the same $48K. If they did a chapter 7 even 10 years ago, they still would have saved $156K of interest!! Since client is 68, his equity exemption is $175K. That is more than enough to cover his equity of $150K, so there’s no problem with his house.

He keeps everything he owns, but got rid of $48K of credit card debt.

It’s a great deal and gives them a fresh start in their retirement, and in another 3 years, their credit score will be over 620. In 5 years, it will be 690. In 7 years, 720. In 10 years, there is no record of their chapter 7 petition filing.

As it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God (Adonai/ El Elohim) has conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” —1 Corinthians 2:9 ! ! !

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To serve the People of God with heroic love

To Live With Faith REVEREND RODEL G. BALAGTAS A PRIEST’S life can be filled with joy — that is, if a priest loves working with people. It is not only filled with the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment; it is also very nourishing with the love and care of the People of God. People love us — priests — despite our imperfections. They see us as representatives of Jesus Christ on earth; they esteem us for our noble works and our sacrifices. They see our lives as meaningful and edifying.

But priesthood can also be filled with sorrow and grief, especially if it is not lived well and properly. Absolutely, it is not for the fainthearted, but rather for those who are bold enough to face the challenges and sacrifices of ministry. It requires having “thick skin” because the job is prone to criticism, misjudgment and condemnation.

I tell seminarians about this reality of priesthood. I just don’t glorify or romanticize it. I tell them what it truly is. I don’t mean to discourage them but to let their feet be grounded in the realities of the ministry of ordained priesthood.

“Who says that priests would be free of sorrows?” I would tell seminarians. “Even Jesus, who is already God, experienced rejection, criticism and most of all crucifixion and death.” So I tell seminarians not only to enjoy ministry but also to face its difficulties.

So what’s the basis for continuing to live this life? What’s the fundamental reason why anyone can embrace this life? It’s the heroic and unconditional love for the People of God. One has to

love the people of God — warts and all. One has to be willing to live, to serve, to suffer, and to die for them and with them.

In Corinthians 12:31-13:13, St. Paul tells us about the famous qualities of heroic love: “Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, it is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” These qualities of heroic love are meant not just for people in marriage but also for priests. It’s because priests, as many people contend, are married to the People of God — the

“

also for priests to highlight the mercy of God to all people.

Pope Francis would agree with me that we need more than bishops and priests who can organize long and massive processions or gatherings that break world records, but who can transform people’s hearts that burn with the mercy and love for fellow human beings and are willing change society according to values of the Gospel.

What we need are not only bishops, priests and ministers who can articulate Christian doctrines or inspire people with positive preaching that boost their self-esteem. What we need are Christian leaders and prophets who model simplicity of life and detachment from prestige, power, and material things.

What we need are not just preachers who can talk about the promises of God — his abiding presence and the eternal life that we inherited in Jesus Christ — but also who can challenge us to live the Gospel concretely in the here and now.

Yes, more than anything else, we need priests, bishops, and ministers who can show the heroic love and mercy of God for all people! ***

People love us — priests — despite our imperfections.

They see us as representatives of Jesus Christ on earth; they esteem us for our noble works and our sacrifices. They see our lives as meaningful and edifying.

Church.

St. Paul tells us that love is the greatest of all theological virtues, not faith or hope. Yes, priests can put faith in people’s hearts and minds — they can make them believe in God, know all the attributes of God and all dogmas pertaining to their faith — but if they don’t show them the love of Jesus Christ or if they don’t love them with a shepherd’s heart, then they will just be “resounding gongs or clanging cymbals.”

This is why Pope Francis wants priests to show the profound mercy of God in this Year of Mercy. Without a doubt, he wants priests to challenge people to live just lives that care for the poor and the downtrodden, and

”

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Ninth Circuit continues to narrow which crimes…

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people who were previously ordered deported may be able to have their cases reopened as a result of these changes in law.

Of course, it is best to bring an experienced and knowledgeable immigration lawyer on board while the criminal case is ongoing to work with the criminal de-

fense lawyer toward a result that is positive from both a criminal defense and an immigration standpoint. *** 8kkp% I\\m\j _Xj i\gi\j\ek\[ Zc`\ekj `e eld\iflj cXe[dXib `dd`^iXk`fe ZXj\j k_Xk _Xm\ j\k e\n gfc`Z`\j i\^Xi[`e^ @EJ XZk`fe Xe[ `dd`^iXekjË i`^_kj% ?`j f]ÔZ\j Xi\ cfZXk\[ `e GXjX[\eX# @im`e\# JXe =iXeZ`jZf# CXj M\^Xj

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H-1B Visa 101

:FDDLE@KP AFLIE8C

If you are contemplating of SINCE it is practically “H-1B filing any immigrant or nonseason” once again, this is an apimmigration application, it is propriate time to discuss the H-1B advisable to seek the counsel of visa applications. The USCIS will an immigration lawyer to guide start accepting new H-1B quotayou on the intricacies of filing based applications on April 1, 2016 for such a petition. for the fiscal year 2017. For these Under the LCA, the employapplications, the earliest start work er must attest, among others, date is October 1, 2016. that: Under Sec. 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b), 1. The H-IB beneficiary will an alien can be a beneficiary of a be paid the required wages H-1B petition if he is coming temwhich are at least the higher porarily to the United States to of the actual wage level paid perform services in a specialty ocby the employer to all other cupation. “Specialty occupation” individuals with similar experirequires theoretical and practical ence and qualifications for the application of a body of highly spe- 8kkp% >n\e[fcpe DXcXpX$JXekfj cialized knowledge and the attainment of a bache- specific employment in question or the prevailing lor’s or higher degree in the specific specialty (or wage level for the occupational classification in the its equivalent) as a minimum for entry into the US area of intended employment.

2. The employment of the H-1B beneficiary will labor market, e.g., accountants, engineers, and not adversely affect the working conditions of scientists.

In evaluating the appropriateness of the posi- workers similarly employed and that he will be aftion or job offer, the criteria used, among others, is forded working conditions on the same basis, and whether or not the position requires a precise and in accordance with the same criteria, as offered to specific course of study which relates directly and similarly employed U.S. workers.

3. On the date the application is signed and subclosely to the position. For instance, a job offer as a journalist is a perfect fit for someone with a bache- mitted, there is not a strike, lockout, or work stoplor’s degree in Journalism but not for someone who page in the course of a labor dispute in the named occupation at the place of employment. has a degree in Music or Engineering.

4. As of the date of filing, notice of the labor conThere is an annual numerical limit “cap” of 65,000 visas per fiscal year. The cap does not include the dition application has been or will be provided to first 20,000 petitions filed for alien beneficiaries with workers employed in the named occupation. Noa US master’s or higher degree. H-1B petitions can tice of the application shall be provided to workers be filed six (6) months in advance of the requested through the bargaining representative, or where start date (the earliest start date is October 1, 2016 there is no such bargaining representative, notice as mentioned above). For this year, petitions seek- of the filing shall be provided either through physiing an October 1, 2016 start date can only be filed cal posting in conspicuous locations where the beneficiary will be employed, or through electronic no earlier than April 1, 2016.

Before an H-1B application can be filed, a labor notification to employees in the occupational clascondition application or attestation (LCA) for H-1B sification for which the aliens are sought.

After filing the LCA, the H-1B petition must be purposes should be filed with the US Department of Labor through its iCert system. A copy of the filed, together with the necessary documentation certified Department of Labor LCA (Form ETA such as diploma, credentials evaluations, among 9035) must be attached to the H-1B application. others.

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GK USA National Summit 2016

THERE is no better time for Gawad Kalinga (GK) to present the Philippines as the new land of opportunity, with a steadily rising economy--the fastest growing in the world next to China, according to Bloomberg--and alleviating poverty. GK continues to evolve as a movement, starting with philanthropy expanding to sustainability, and creating hybrid, innovative systems to end poverty.

The Summit will provide an opportunity for Filipinos, GK volunteers, partners, and millennials to reconnect with their homeland, contribute to their country and social entrepreneurship, and help to build bridges for a thriving nation.

Asian Americans will have a taste of the emerging market of worldclass, affordable Philippine-made products, such as Bayani Brew, First Harvest Peanut Spreads, Hu-

man Nature beauty products, and Theo Philo chocolates. Support GK’s humanitarian efforts to provide home and livelihood to the poorest of the poor, and learn about GK, GK USA, and GK Enchanted Farm programs. The Summit will take place from March 4-6, 2016, at the Radisson Midtown at USC, Los Angeles (3540 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90007). To register, please visit gk-usa.org. ■

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Free naturalization and legal consultation clinic March 26, 2016, at Asian Youth Center

THE Law Offices of Mary Lyn T. Sanga, a Professional Corporation (MTS Law) will be holding a free naturalization and legal consultation clinic on March 26, 2016. The clinic will be from 9am to 4pm, at Asian Youth Center, 100 Clary Avenue, San Gabriel, CA 91776.

This project is MTS Law’s second annual free legal clinic, a public service program that it started in 2015. This year, MTS Law is organizing the clinic in collaboration with Asian Youth Center. According to Atty. Angela Leong of MTS Law, “with the elections coming up this year, we decided to expand the scope of the legal clinic.” As an added service, the clinic will not be limited to free legal consultation as in the previous year, but will also help qualified lawful permanent residents (also known as green card

holders) apply for citizenship.

Citizenship confers certain rights not available to green card holders, including the right to vote for US President and federal officials, apply for federal government jobs, run for an elective federal office, and apply for a US passport. To be eligible to naturalize, the applicant must be at least 18 years old, have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years (3 years if married to a US citizen for at least 3 years), and establish good moral character, among other requirements.

The clinic will start with a 30minute introduction to the basic requirements and procedure to apply for naturalization. It will then be followed by in-person assistance with preparation of N400 application for naturalization and related documents, including fee waiver application. There

will also be licensed attorneys to provide one-on-one legal consultation on issues relating to immigration, family relations, personal injury, and employment.

Seats are limited, so interested participants are encouraged to register in advance.

To register, call (213) 2323154 (English, Tagalog & Spanish) or (626) 800-6019 (Chinese), register online at [link], or email info@mtsangalaw.com (English, Tagalog & Spanish) or aleong@ mtsangalaw.com (Chinese).

MTS Law is a Los Angelesbased law firm with principal office located at 3600 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 920, Los Angeles, CA 90010. MTS Law handles all areas of immigration, personal injury, and family law. For more information about MTS Law, please visit www.mtsangalaw. com. ■

Fraud waiver under INA section 237…

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other forms of relief from removal or deportation, there is no formal application or fee required in order to request the §237(a)(1)(H) waiver.

It is well established that the §237(a)(1)(H) waiver is available to cure removability and deportability for an alien whose permanent residence was obtained by misrepresenting his/her marital status, despite the fact that s/he would not have qualified for the immigrant status accorded and never would have been accorded that status had the true facts been known. Casem v. INS, 8 F.3d 700 (9th Cir. 1993) In exercising discretion over a § 237(a)(1)(H) request, the fraud or misrepresentation for which the alien seeks forgiveness is to be considered in the balancing of positive and negative factors when determining whether the waiver is merited in the Attorney General’s discretion. Matter of Tijam, Interim Decision 3372 (BIA 1998) Adverse factors may include the nature and underlying circumstances of the fraud or misrepresentation involved; the nature, seriousness, and recency of any criminal record; and any other additional evidence of the alien’s bad character or undesirability as a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

Favorable considerations may include family ties in the United States; residence of a long dura-

tion in this country, particularly where it commenced when the alien was young; evidence of hardship to the alien or her family if deportation occurs; a stable employment history; the existence of property or business ties; evidence of value and service to the community; and other evidence of the alien’s good character. Hernandez-Robledo v. INS, 777 F.2d 536 (9th Cir. 1985); see also Matter of Mendez-Moralez, Interim Decision 3272 (BIA 1996).

In addition, equities which were achieved as a result of the fraud or misrepresentation cannot be discounted despite the illegality of the immigrant status obtained. Discounting of lengthy residence and employment as favorable factors is improper: “the inquiry is not into the illegality of his or her presence in the United States but the reasons that an alien should be allowed to stay, despite the illegality. Discounting of child born in the United States as a result of having immigrated fraudulently also has been held impermissible. Casem v. INS, supra In addition, the Supreme Court has recently held that repetitions or other instances of the fraud that was used to obtain entry in other immigration-related contexts which are “removed in time and circumstance from respondent’s entry” can be considered as adverse discretionary factor(s). Yang v. INS, 96 Daily

Journal D.A.R. at 13633. This means that the immigration judge must weigh such additional instances of fraud – as with any other adverse factors – against the equities, hardships and any other positive factors.

Should the immigration judge grant your waiver application, after balancing all the equities against the adverse factors discussed above, the immigration judge may terminate your removal case and let you keep your permanent resident status. The effect of your waiver would be retroactive to the time that you first obtained your permanent resident status. ***

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MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM Franchising, business opportunities abound in PH

by MOMAR

G. VISAYA

AJPress

NEW YORK—There are plenty of franchising and business opportunities in the Philippines where overseas Filipinos can invest their hard-earned money, according to Prof. Enrique Soriano III who teaches business at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business and a business adviser to many corporations all over Southeast Asia.

Soriano was in New York last week, where delivered a seminar for Filipinos who want to know more about investing in the homeland, an offshoot of some of the talks he delivered before Filipinos based overseas who desire to invest in a business in the Philippines. He also promoted his just launched second book titled “Ensuring the Family Business Legacy.”

“There is an opportunity for every budget,” Soriano said. “There are brands that are compelling and are worth every single penny

&

that you invest.” He explained that his suggestions don’t include million dollar franchises like the top brands in the Philippine fastfood industry like Jollibee and McDonald’s.

He talked about affordable business opportunities with emerging brands starting at 500,000 peso investment (soft serve ice cream) with the maximum at five million pesos (convenience store).Among the brands he mentioned were Mr. Softy, Generika, Julie’s Bakeshop and Mini-Stop.

“If you’re going to invest, invest on a brand, a franchise that has a great story and a powerful value.

Check the company’s track record.

As it is in franchising, caveat emptor, or let the buyer beware,” he explained. “A lot of scams happen everywhere. They tell you it’s a good franchise but you end up with just a kiosk. The key is look at the track record. ” The biggest question raised in G8>< ;)

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To overtake India, PH needs more IT-BPO hubs

by RICHMOND

MERCURIO Philstar.com

MANILA—The Philippines will have to make more calls for improvements should it want to advance past global information technology-business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) powerhouse India.

Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) Property Consultants (India) chief operating officer and international

director Ramesh Nair said the Philippines should develop more cities outside Metro Manila as IT-BPO hubs to further strengthen its hold as an investment destination for IT and outsourcing companies.

Nair sees Metro Manila as the only major IT-BPO magnet of the Philippines while India has several which include Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Delhi G8>< ;)

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AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides free tax assistance and preparation PASADENA—This year, AARP Foundation is again providing free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers with low- to moderateincome through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 48th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service, giving special attention to the older population. Taxpayers do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has more than 5,000 locations in neighborhood libraries, malls, banks, community centers and senior centers. There’s no fee and no sales pitch for other services and AARP membership is not required.

“Tax-Aide is one of the hallmark programs of AARP Foundation. Its success is the direct result of dedicated, trained volunteers who spend countless hours helping people get the tax refunds they deserve. Last year AARP Foundation Tax-Aide helped California residents secure over $94 million in income tax refunds and nearly $19 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs),” said

Nancy McPherson, AARP CA State Director.

In 2015, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide’s 35,000 volunteers have provided 2.6 million people with free tax help. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified each year to ensure their knowledge of revisions to the US tax code. Taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $1.3 billion in income tax refunds and more than $250 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs).

Last year, 2,939 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 192,585 people file their federal, state tax returns.

The program is offered at approximately 415 sites in California including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.

For more information on documents to bring to the tax site or to locate an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site, visit www.aarp. org/findtaxhelp or call 1-888AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669).

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.

Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ

DEAR Atty. Gurfinkel: I received my green card through my employer’s petition, but the priority date on my petition retrogressed (went backwards) before I was able to bring my family from the Philippines. I have now been waiting several years, and the priority date is moving forward so slowly. Is there any other, or faster, way I can bring my spouse and kids to the US? Very truly yours, W.T. Dear W.T.: Most family and employment petitions include not only the principal beneficiary, but also his or her spouse and minor children, who are considered “derivatives.” If you obtained your green card in the US, but your family is back home in the Philippines, your spouse and minor kids could receive green cards under your petition as “following to join” derivatives. However, in order to receive their

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A new family petition could be faster than waiting for your pending employment case

green cards, the priority date on your petition must be “current.” If your priority date retrogressed (moved backwards), your family would have to wait until the priority date on your petition once again becomes current, which can sometimes take many years.

A possible faster alternative is to file a new F-2A family petition, rather than waiting for the priority date on an existing employment based petition to become current again for your derivatives. For example, the priority date in F-2A for visa issuance is September 2014, as of February 2016. For employment-based petitions, the priority date for visa issuance is January 2008.

This means if you adjusted status, and the priority date on your employment based petition retrogressed, it may be faster to file a new family based petition than to wait for the priority date on your employer’s petition to become current again.

If this situation applies to you, you may want to seek the

advice of an attorney, who can evaluate your situation and determine your best choices and options, and whether a new F2A petition would be better (or faster), or if you need to stick with the existing petition out of concerns for the Child Status Protection Act, etc. *** D`Z_X\c A% >liÔeb\c `j c`Z\ej\[# Xe[ Xe XZk`m\ d\dY\i f] k_\ JkXk\ 9Xi f] :Xc`]fie`X Xe[ E\n Pfib% 8cc `dd`^iXk`fe j\im`Z\j Xi\ gifm`[\[ Yp# fi le[\i k_\ jlg\im`j`fe f]# Xe XZk`m\ d\dY\i f] k_\ JkXk\ 9Xi f] :Xc`]fie`X% <XZ_ ZXj\ `j [`]]\i\ek% K_\ `e]fidXk`fe

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Business Quote of the Week “The media wants overnight successes (so they have someone to tear down). Ignore them. Ignore the early adopter critics that never have enough to play with.

Ignore your investors that want proven tactics and predictable instant results. Listen instead to your real customers, to your vision and make something for the long haul. Because that’s how long it’s going to take, guys.” — Seth Godin, author, entrepreneur, marketer, and public speaker

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Group wants income tax reform an election issue Duterte says he is open to increase

foreign business ownership in PH

by PRINZ

MAGTULIS Philstar.com

MANILA—After the 16th Congress adjourned last Wednesday, Feb. 3, tax professionals said income tax reform—highly opposed by the Aquino administration— should remain alive in another battleground: the election season.

“We are envisioning on making this as an election issue,” said Benedict Tugonon, president of the Tax Management Association of the Philippines (TMAP).

“We are going to work with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in including fiscal reform issues as among the agenda,” he told reporters in a briefing on Thursday, Feb. 4.

TMAP, a non-profit organization composed of over 130 firms, said it has partnered with the Development Alternatives Inc. to collate questions “that we want the candidates to answer during the debates.”

Comelec has tied-up with media organizations, including The STAR, to put up presidential debates for the upcoming May 8 national elections.

Aside from this, Tugonon said TMAP will move to re-file the bill once the new Congress—and a new administration—takes over in July.

“Last year, we thought we almost have it. We were so near because we already have the support of the two houses of Congress.

This year, we are again pushing for it,” he said.

“Unfortunately, I haven’t heard the candidates talk about fiscal reforms. Hopefully, we can hear them speak once we ask them,”

by NESTOR

CORRALES Inquirer.net

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Tugonon said.

When asked if TMAP will support a particular candidate, Tugonon declined to name names, but said: “I think all of them naman are in favor. Even (Mar) Roxas seems to have changed tone on it.”

Of the presidential candidates, only the administration-bet Roxas has opposed slashing income taxes, saying this could lead to state programs getting unfunded.

TMAP Director Eleonor Roque, for her part, reiterated the pending bills before at Congress were good enough to be pursued without too much impact on government finances.

President Aquino had voiced out opposition to proposals from his own allies to slash income tax rates going up to 32 percent, leaving the bills languishing at the legislature.

The Department of Finance

(DOF), specifically, said the bill will lower revenues by around P30 billion annually once enacted into law.

“Right now, if you see the proposals, they are not really that drastic in terms of effect to revenues. At the least, we really want the (income) brackets revised since it’s been there since 1997,” Roque said.

Tugonon said TMAP is willing to sit down with the DOF to compare estimates and dialogue. “We are of the position that it is not really that huge,” he emphasized.

“In principle, when you give taxpayers more money, a lot of them will consume and there will be recovery there in terms of VAT (value-added tax) collections,” he said.

“We invite the DOF to put their estimate on the ground so that it can be studied by everyone,” he added.

DAVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is open to amend the Philippine constitution to increase foreign ownership in business corporations in the country.

“I can be comfortable with 70-30 percent [in favor of foreign ownership],” Duterte said in a business forum in Makati on Wednesday, Feb. 3.

Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, foreign investors are only allowed to a maximum of 40 percent ownership, which means Duterte’s proposal needs a constitutional amendment.

“Yes, I am amenable to that,” he said, adding that a constitutional convention would be needed.

But amid the interest of foreign investors to own real properties in the Philippines, Duterte said he was not “keen” on and “comfortable” in selling land in the country.

“Businessmen are interested

to know if they can own lands here. Maybe for manufacturing, I can lease the land, and even for agricultural venture, but I am not keen about selling land. I am not comfortable,” the mayor said.

“I can give you lease renewable for 40 years. That is a lifetime. But if you leave the country, [it would be] automatic na (that) [you cannot pass it on to another corporation],” he added.

Duterte has earlier said that he would push for the creation of what he described as “business islands” to encourage more investors to the country if he is elected President in the May elections.

He said one way of creating business islands would be to lease them to possible investors.

The mayor said he saw nothing wrong in leasing some of the country’s islands to investors because such a policy would not violate the Philippines’ territorial integrity.

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BPO revenues to offset foreseen OFW remittance slowdown

by LAWRENCE

AGCAOILI Philstar.com

MANILA—Top bank economists are not alarmed by the possible slow down in cash remittances from overseas Filipinos amid the tension in the Middle East, softening oil prices, and the weakening of other currencies against the US dollar.

BPI associate economist Nicholas Antonio Mapa said Filipinos working abroad continue to find

ways to send money to their loved ones in the Philippines despite the tensions in the Middle East and North African (MENA) nations as well as the slump in oil prices.

He cited the case way back in 2008, when remittances were projected to decline due to the global financial crisis but managed to grow.

Likewise, he explained the slowdown in the dollar value of remittances in the past few months translates into healthy peso growth supporting private consumption.

Mapa said the country’s business process outsourcing (BPO) industry is ripe for growth and would help offset the slowdown in cash remittances from Filipinos abroad.

For his part, ING Bank Manila senior economist Joey Cuyegkeng projected a five percent contraction in cash remittances this year but would be eased by the projected mid-teens growth in BPO revenues.

Data showed remittances from the Middle East accounted for 22 percent of total in 2014 and in 2015.

Money sent home by Filipinos from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates account for almost 17.5

percent of total remittances.

News from these economies about the repercussions of 12-year low oil prices and challenging fiscal positions raise the likelihood of weakening remittances.

Likewise, the stronger dollar has also affected remittances from other host economies such as EU, Japan and other Asian economies.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has lowered the projected growth in cash remittances from overseas Filipinos to four percent instead of five percent for 2015 and 2016 due to the continued weakness of other currencies against the dollar.

Latest data from the central bank showed cash remittances went up by 3.6 percent to $22.83 billion from January to November last year compared to $22.08 billion in the same period in 2014.

About 79 percent of the cash remittances came from the US, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, and Hong Kong.

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To overtake India, PH needs...

G8>< ;( and Mumbai.

He said it would be in the hands of the government on how to make these non-metro markets attractive IT-BPO hubs for both local and foreign investors.

Initially, Nair urged the government to build a high-speed and efficient transport system going to and within these new markets.

Once such transport infrastructure is in place, he said land should be made available for development with subsidized rates.

“Government should give subsidized rates for first movers. If you could get Google for example, then go all out and try offering them with big discounts on real estate. Once you get a magnet name like that then people will come in. In IT, whenever one big company comes, several others will follow,” Nair said.

“But once these businesses come in, you need to make sure ease of doing business is well

taken care off,” he added.

Global real estate services firm JLL said India and Philippines stand head-and-shoulders above the rest of the world as the dominant players in the BPO sector as it continues to drive economic growth in both countries.

Nair said the desired market that come most after the Indian market among investors is the Philippines.

“In the overall Asia outsourcing market place, I would say Philippines is the second market which comes most to financial services clients because of obvious reasons (like) your supremacy in the contact industry, your English speaking graduates, and affinity towards American (culture),” he said.

“We also heard countries like Vietnam in the list and Malaysia as well. We don’t see many other countries coming in because of language barriers,” Nair added.

Franchising, business opportunities...

G8>< ;( every talk he has overseas is management. Most people who want to start in franchising have no plans of retiring from their day jobs yet.

Realizing this, Soriano created a business model which he thinks would be helpful to this type of investors.

“Engage a management team that is going to be focused and very professional, the (business) model is similar to a hotel management company. It is better than assigning a relative because eight out of 10 times, your relative will be your diabolical enemy after two to three years,” Soriano said. “By outsourcing, you increase the value, there’s financial reporting and disclosure and there’s a more professional, strategic direction.”

Soriano’s talk also focused on his experiences in working with the country’s top taipans, including Andrew Tan, John Gokongwei, Lucio Tan and George Ty. He was a Vice President at Unilab/Greenfield Corporation at the age of 29, became the chairman of Eastwood

City in 2000 when he was 32 and became the first president of Travelers International (Resorts World Manila) when he was 35.

“It’s all about creating your own success stories, similar to what some of the richest men in the country have done,” Soriano said, citing the common traits that were similar to the tycoons he worked with in the past.

He said that most of the businessmen he worked with had almost rags to riches stories.

“They were visionary, passionate and purposeful, with a tremendous amount of tenacity,” he said.

It was the same tenacity that drove Julie Gadionco to open her eponymous bakeshop when she was already 50 years old and the persistence and obsession of Andrew Tan to own the Fundador brand, a feat he achieved last November.

Soriano also summarized the lessons he learned from them, something that he shares with his graduate school students and people who attend his seminars.

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9 TRENDING PH CITIES THIS YEAR

The best time for overseas Filipinos to buy property

by TESSA

R. SALAZAR Inquirer.net

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by TESSA

R. SALAZAR Inquirer.net

P

ROPERTY analysts and experts forecast that developers will continue to pursue township developments in and outside Metro Manila in 2016.

Now, where could these, and other types of developments be? Here are the nine likeliest urban locations: 1. CAVITE. Colliers International Philippines cites three reasons Cavite is on developers’ maps: Cavite has been known as a suburban support area to Metro Manila. With its relatively cheaper housing costs, Cavite has drawn within its boundaries hundreds of thousands, who still commute daily to their workplaces within Metro Manila.

Numerous infrastructure projects recently launched will allow Cavite to flourish. The LRT-1 extension project will end in Bacoor; the government has now started the bid for LRT-6 which will further extend the LRT line from Bacoor to Dasmariñas City. Furthermore, the 44-kilometer Cavite-Laguna Expressway (Calax) project will provide necessary access to growth areas in Cavite.

With the completion of the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX), a toll road which connects the South Luzon Expressway

(SLEx) to Daang Hari, property values in the area are foreseen to escalate rapidly. The new toll road will spur rapid development in emerging master-planned communities such as Vista Land’s Vista City and Ayala Land’s Vermosa Estate, which have the potential to establish themselves as full-blown central business districts (CBDs).

Property portal Lamudi Philippines, in its 2016 top cities list, shares eight more locations that will benefit from real estate investments.

2. QUEZON CITY. The population of Metro Manila’s largest city is projected to grow to more than 3.5 million by 2020, with many looking into relocating there. Quezon City properties are relatively more affordable compared to Makati and Taguig, and offers plenty of options to homebuyers.

3. MAKATI. The country’s foremost financial and business district won’t be outdone, even if the average rental rate in its CBD is expected to decrease 3.39 percent year-on-year by the third quarter of 2016, vacancies to increase to 10.19 percent across all condo grades. Fringe areas, however, are starting to see an uptick in real estate activity, particularly Barangay San Antonio, near Ayala Avenue.

“Worsening traffic conditions in Metro Manila are making these

areas attractive to renters and homebuyers,” said Lamudi.

4. TAGUIG. “Taguig’s population is projected to reach almost one million by 2020, which will make it the National Capital Region’s fourth more populous (after Quezon City, Caloocan and Manila) and the country’s 9th. The city’s real estate sector has been on an upswing ever since Fort Bonifacio was privatized,” noted Lamudi. It added that several projects now are underway: Megaworld’s McKinley West and Ayala Land’s Arca South. Access to and from the airport (particularly Terminals 1 and 2) and to Coastal Road will also improve when the flyover connecting CP Garcia Avenue to the Moonwalk Access Road and West Service Road is finally completed.

5. PASAY. This city is gaining prominence because of: 1) Bay City—the reclamation area along Manila Bay housing the Mall of Asia Complex, Entertainment City—and Aseana City; 2) The SM group has already incorporated office and residential components in the MOA complex; 3) Federal Land is set to complete its Six Senses Residences in 2016 and its first tower in the Palm Beach project in 2017; 4) Improved infrastructure when the Naia Expressway connecting the Metro Manila Skyway to the Manila-Cavite Expressway

and Entertainment City, is finally completed.

6. BACOLOD. In mid-2015, Lamudi data showed that Bacolod had become among the most popular cities among online property hunters. In fact, real estate giant Megaworld announced in late 2015 that it wa s building two integrated townships in the city (the 50-hectare Northill Gateway and the 34-hectare The Upper East), while Ayala Land has sealed an agreement with the provincial government of Negros Occidental to build the mixed-use Capitol Central.

7. DAVAO. Davao remains southern Philippines’ economic and business center, and one of the most searched cities in the Lamudi website in 2015. Its population is projected to balloon to 1.83 million by 2020. Davao is also consistently among the most searched by online property hunters, and the sixth and third most searched city by property hunters based in the United States and Saudi Arabia, respectively, according to Lamudi data.

8. CEBU. Cebu City is one of Tholons’ top 10 outsourcing destinations in the world (and second in the Philippines behind Metro Manila). According to CB Richard Ellis Philippines, exciting expansions and new developments are

WHILE some overseas Filipinos (OFs) are taking a wait-and-see stance, opting to let the national elections in May this year pass before buying real estate in the country, property experts see things differently.

Property experts foresee national elections not to play much of a factor in real estate industry movements, stressing that things would still depend on what buyers are on the market for.

Alejandro S. Mañalac, former National Real Estate Association chair and ThinkInvest chief adviser, explained: “If the property that is being eyed by OFs is for end use, it doesn’t really matter whether they buy before or after the elections. If they are expecting prices to go down after the elections, they might be disappointed.

If they can afford it now and have enough buffer funds to pay their monthly amortizations, they can already start their search now. The important thing is for them to know how to ask the ‘right questions’ from their agents.”

Enrique M. Soriano III, Ateneo program director for real estate and senior adviser for Wong+Bernstein Business, said: “Property pur-

chases will depend on the needs of the buyer. If the objective of the purchase is purely to invest in real estate, the timing will always be on the opportunity presented.

Should there be below-market prices, investors can seize the opportunity,” he said.

Soriano added that if the purchase is primarily for the buyer’s own use, then the most opportune time depends on how urgent the need is.

“Is the buyer in a hurry to move in, for example, in six months? Assuming there is no urgency, the summer months would be highly recommended so repairs and beautification can happen prior to the rainy season starting in May. Here are important tips: Crucial elements should cover: a) cash flow, meaning the ability to pay the downpayment and the amortization; b) location of the property; c) completion period; d) (developers’) reputation and postsales service,” Soriano said.

In addition, Soriano advised OFs to conduct their own research online, seek advice from unbiased colleagues when purchasing a condominium or a house, and prepare a checklist of property documents.

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coming in over the next few years.

In 2015 alone, two new large malls opened in the city, SM Seaside City Cebu and Robinsons Galleria Cebu. SM Seaside alone has an area of 10-15 hectares devoted to commercial development, similar to the E-com office towers in the MOA complex, while Robinsons Galleria will have entire floors dedicated to BPO offices.

9. MUNTINLUPA. The south of Metro Manila, specifically Muntinlupa, is also projected to perform well this year, with the launch of

several high-profile projects from the country’s biggest developers, one of which is Avida’s South Park District, a mixed-use development sitting on the former Nestlé plant in Alabang, in addition to the established Filinvest and Madrigal business districts. Further, in anticipation of infrastructure projects expected to ease travel to the south, property developers, including Rockwell subsidiary Rockwell Primaries, and Vista Land are now eyeing Muntinlupa as their next focus area.

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E-payments gaining ground in PH, says survey

by KRISTYN

NIKA LAZO ManilaTimes.net

FILIPINOS with bank accounts prefer electronic payments instead of cash with actual usage and interest in such technologies predominant, a Visa study showed.

While cash transactions remain the most widely used in the country as over two thirds of the population is unbanked, the Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes Study 2015 showed that alternative payment options were gaining recognition.

Among those with bank accounts, about 70 percent of the Generation X respondents—those aged 35 to 60 years old—“have a penchant for electronic payments . . . for safety reasons”, while 60 percent of the Generation Y—those aged 18 to 34—also prefer card transactions over forking out cash.

The Visa study surveyed attitudes towards payments among Southeast Asian consumers and Stuart Tomlinson, Visa country manager for the Philippines and Guam, described the shift in the

Philippines as favorable for domestic businesses.

“We see widespread adoption among high-spending Gen X towards digital payments, particularly mobile, and growing spending power among Gen Y. The demographic shifts provide ample opportunities for businesses and financial institutions, spurred by fast-developing innovation in payments, such as wearable technology,” Tomlinson said.

Visa said more Gen X and Gen Y individuals were becoming interested to shop in stores and pay with mobile devices—82 percent and 78 percent, respectively—because cashless transaction save time, are relatively easy to conduct and do away with the need to carry bulky cash.

Visa said 88 percent of the Gen Y individuals surveyed were already using mobile applications to conduct online purchases while 76 percent of the Gen X were also doing the same. The latter, it said, are “catching up quickly.”

The Visa study also cited that interest in using “wearables” for

payments, or high-tech devices tapped at point of sales terminals, were heightening at 80 percent among the Gen X and 87 percent among Gen Y wanting to try it.

Examples of wearables are the Apple Watch or any other device that works with contactless chips.

The top three purchases using wearables are groceries, food and beverages, and movie tickets, the study noted.

Purchases via mobile apps, meanwhile, are increasing as 43 percent among the Gen X bought event and concert tickets, higher than the 23 percent among the Gen Ys, given their higher purchasing capacity.

The younger Gen Ys, meanwhile, spend more on software, apps and app-related content (52 percent) than the elder Gen Xs (28 percent).

“Given the appetite of Gen X and its spending power, catering solely to the young millennials would be too limiting,” Visa said.

The financial services firm, Tomlinson said, was working with client banks and merchants to

All about fluid change

by DAVE

SIYTANGCO ManilaTimes.net

AS part of a preventive maintenance program a car with an automatic transmission, the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) needs to be changed every so many thousand kilometers. Some have asked if they could change it earlier… yes, you can.

If the prescribed mileage, say 60,000 kilometers, is when to change your ATF, it would take you three years to attain that. So it would be all right to change the ATF at an earlier time. Some would even recommend changing it yearly. To some, they may just travel a short distance to get to their destination but they spend a good amount of time in traffic, then it’s almost be the same as traveling fast on the highway. When you are in traffic, there is a possibility that your ATF can get to hot. The heat from the exhaust of other cars and limited airflow can raise the temp of your fluids.

If ever you decide to change your ATF, just make sure that you drain the old ATF completely. You could this by raising the driving wheels of your car and draining the ATF. Then refilling it and putting it through the gears and running it

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while the driving wheels are up.

Drain it a couple of times to make sure all the old fluid is out. Or you could bring to a shop that has a dialysis machine for the transmission. Make life easier for yourself.

Make sure to use the proper spec of ATF and clean or replace the filter. You could also use a flushing solution to remove any gunk inside the transmission. There are also additives you could add to help keep the ATF from breaking down.

For those with manual transmissions, you would also need to change the oils. Changing the

fluid in manual transmissions is mostly forgotten. It’s the clutch that is usually the concern of most car owners. Again, don’t scrimp on the kind of gear that you use.

The manual transmission can also breakdown and can be also expensive to fix. Since we’re on the drive train topic, the fluid of the differential shouldn’t be forgotten. Like the manual transmission, it too is neglected. Taken cared of properly, the manual transmission and the differential can last you the life of your car. As long as they are well cared for and not abused.

On another note, if you are

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accelerate the speed and scale of financial innovation “so everyone, everywhere can have the best means to pay and get paid.”

According to a 2014 World experiencing failure of the rubber parts inside your brake master or clutch master, try switching brake fluid brands. It is possible that the rubber components are reacting to the brake fluid you are using.

Assuming you have eliminated the other possible causes of the parts failure. Each manufacturer of brake components have different recipes for their rubber products.

So does the brake fluid manufacturer. Although they all have to meet specific requirements, not all react the same in actual usage.

Even if you use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts and fluids. That is why they keep on upgrading their standards.

If the problem persists and you hear it is happening to other owners with the same make and model, then it would be possible the issue is a design problem.

Either by the design engineers or on the manufacturing side. Don’t worry, these things do happen. If it is a design problem, you could ask the dealer if they are aware of the problem. If they acknowledge the problem, chances are they would have a solution for it. If they are not aware of the problem and they can’t help, try looking for a different brand. Sometimes, the part may look the same but in the manner it was manufactured could make a difference.

Bank study, only 31 percent of Filipino adults have bank accounts, with the country lagging behind its Asean peers.

The Philippines is tied with

Vietnam, while neighbors such as Malaysia and Thailand have significantly higher rates of 81 percent and 78 percent, respectively..

Only 1,500 taxi cabs for 10,000 tourists arriving in PH daily THE NINOY Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has only 1,500 accredited taxis for around 10,000 tourists who arrive in the country daily and need a ride to get to their next destination.

This was among the findings of the Senate committee on tourism chaired by Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara which looked into the plight of local and foreign tourists who were overcharged or victimized by unscrupulous airport taxi drivers.

Angara said there was a lack of transport for passengers because

only 1,500 airport taxis were accredited either by the Department of Tourism or the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

Of the 50,000 passengers who pass through the Naia terminals, 10,000 passengers ride in airport taxis to get to their next destination, he noted.

Angara pushed for the accreditation of car-sharing services like Uber and Grab car as airport taxis. (Christine O. Avendaño/Inquirer.net)

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WIN Hyundai and WIN Chevrolet: Three giant locations to serve you THERE’S no better place for kababayans to shop for Hyundai vehicles than WIN Hyundai in Carson, Calif.

Established in 2011, the young dealership started with the goal of becoming the premiere Hyundai dealership. Since then, it has lived up to its aim by consistently ranked among the top five dealers in the district.

In 2012, the dealership, which is also Equus Certified, was also ranked No. 1 in district sales.

WIN is proud to carry Hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power and Associates ranked the automaker No. 2 among nonpremium automakers in the 2015 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.

“Finishing among the top two non-premium brands in this year’s J.D. Power, the APEAL Study shows Hyundai takes design, technology, features, and performance seriously across the entire lineup. Having the bestselling Sonata ranking among the top two in its class is a remarkable accomplishment and we are committed to delivering the highest customer experience possible to our owners,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of corporate and product planning at Hyundai.

WIN Hyundai offers a wide selection of quality Hyundai vehicles and extends its offerings across the Los Angeles area with its two locations: one in Carson and another in El Monte. On both sites, customers can find new and certified pre-owned vehicles – including the Santa Fe, Sonata, Elantra and Genesis Coupe – to meet a variety of budgets and preferences.

Because the Carson and El Monte locations serve just about anyone and everyone in Southern California, its experienced sales representatives are prepared and eager to help customers find the cars that best fit their preferences and needs.

When it comes to purchasing a Hyundai, WIN specializes in working with all types of credit, good or bad, and has the ability to refinance current loans.

Additionally, although it sells Hyundai cars, the dealership services vehicles of all makes and models and currently has an oil change special of $19.95 For Chevrolet owners and

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shoppers in Los Angeles, you may check out WIN’s third location at WIN Chevrolet, which will make sure to handle everything from helping you purchase a new or used Chevy. Schedule an appointment or just stop on by to take any of our 2015 Chevrolet models for a test drive including the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro, 2015 Chevrolet Impala, and 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe.

Beyond the highly-praised brand WIN offers Southern California residents, it has departments dedicated diverse groups found throughout the Los Angeles region, including Chinese, Korean, Hispanic and Filipino communities. “ We w a n t t o m a k e t h e buying process as easy as possible, so we understand communicating in your native language can be important to completely understanding the purchasing and financing of your vehicle,” said Munir Younis, general sales manager of the dealership.

Younis, who is of Middle Eastern descent, grew up in the Philippines and can speak Tagalog fluently, just as the Filipino sales representatives at the dealership.

“We have a dedicated team that serves the largest Filipino community in the U.S. We believe in giving back to the community and have participated in multiple sponsorship opportunities with multiple Filipino groups and organizations, including the Philippine Independence Day Foundation,” he said.

Among Filipino members of the WIN Hyundai Carson team include long-time car industry veterans Jun Milan and Jay Trinidad.

“WIN is a great dealership and customer service is the best it can be,” Milan said.

Also on the Filipino team is Franklin Magarro, the dealership’s internet sales manager.

In addition to its on-location offerings, those shopping for Hyundai cars can browse WIN’s inventory online with userfriendly filters. Whether you know specifically what make and model you’re looking for, are trying to shop based on a budget, or simply want to browse through what is available, the dealership website makes it easy to shop around from home. Live chat is also available and sales representatives are happy to assist customers via phone.

WIN Hyundai Carson 2205 E 223rd Street Carson, CA 90810 (877) 354-4253 Monday through Saturday: 9am to 9pm Sunday: 10am to 8pm WIN Hyundai El Monte 3462 N Peck Road El Monte, CA 91731 (877) 290-2164 Monday through Sunday: 9am to 9pm www.winhyundai.com Win Chevrolet 2201 E. 223rd Street Carson, CA 90810 (818) 639-1216 www.winchevrolet.com 8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek

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